Days before the 2018 NBA Draft, Texas A&M basketball forward Robert Williams is still being projected to go in the top 15 picks.
When Texas A&M basketball forward Robert Williams declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, it was not much of a surprise. The surprise came when, a year earlier, he decided to come back for his sophomore season when many thought he could have been a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Williams’ sophomore season came with mixed results. At times he was the dominant defensive presence and rebounding machine everyone knew he could be. Other times he was trying to show off to NBA scouts by taking jump shots and trying to show people his offensive game was better than it actually was.
He was himself in the NCAA Tournament and looked like he was the only player who belonged on the floor at times. He played within himself, cleaning up the boards and altering shots left and right. Teams were terrified to go inside against the Aggies when Williams was on the floor.
His athletic ability and defensive prowess are the main reasons most expect him to be a lottery pick in the draft.
Here are projections for Williams from well-respected outlets:
- Sports Illustrated: Los Angeles Clippers, No. 13 overall
- The Ringer: Washington Wizards, No. 15 overall
- NBA.com: Washington Wizards, No. 15 overall
- CBS Sports: Los Angeles Clippers, No. 12 overall
- Bleacher Report: Denver Nuggets, No. 14 overall
So, the consensus is pretty much in the 12-15 range, which places him right at the end of the lottery picks. If he were to go in the top 14, Williams would be the first lottery pick from Texas A&M since Acie Law IV went No. 11 to the Atlanta Hawks.
Wherever he goes, Williams will fit beautifully into the current NBA even with his offensive limitations. He is of the DeAndre Jordan, Clint Capela mold, and might be even better than the two of them when it’s all said and done. He is faster than DeAndre Jordan and bigger/stronger and more athletic than Capela.
Next: 5 best NBA fits for Robert Williams
All he has to do is play within himself at the next level and he will make whichever team drafts him very happy.
Jeff Shull is the Site Expert for the Gig Em Gazette on FanSided. Follow him on Twitter, and be sure to follow the Gig Em Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.