In our continuing coverage of potential prospects the Phoenix Suns may draft, today we are going to scout a top big man: Robert Williams.
College Career
Coming out of high school, Robert Williams was not as highly touted as some of the other players we have covered so far. A four star recruit, Texas A&M was Williams’ only offer. Despite having a relatively low national profile, Robert Williams made a real statistical impact at Texas A&M. In his freshman season, he averaged 11.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game to go along with 2.5 blocks – stats which are very similar to a current top NBA star big man’s freshman year, Joel Embiid. Williams put up very similar numbers in his sophomore season: 10.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
His second year ended with Texas A&M making a surprising run deep into the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, the Aggies’ run came to a close with a tough loss to Michigan in the Sweet 16.
Strengths
Phoenix Suns
More of a traditional power forward, Robert Williams has the size and strength necessary to crash with the NBA’s big boys. At 6’9″ and 240 pounds, he is already physically ready for the NBA, something not many young big men can say.
A bonus to go along with his solid size, Williams is extremely quick and athletic. He can dart to the rim off of a pick-and-roll or blow by his man on the baseline. He has video-game like hops, high-end shot blocking ability, and a willingness to use his quickness to gather rebounds on both ends of the court.
Very impressive for a young player, Robert Williams has already started to combine his two biggest strengths (size/strength and quickness/athleticism) into another valuable skill: finishing strong at the rim. Williams is willing to take on anyone at the basket, absorb the contact, and more often than not, slam it down.
Weaknesses
Like most big men coming into the draft, Robert Williams is raw. He does not have a great offensive game. Before the NBA Combine, expect to see Williams put in work on his two biggest offensive weaknesses: his inconsistent outside jumper and limited post game.
Maybe even more of an issue than his unpolished offensive skill-set is his tendency to disappear in games. There were times in college when complacency and inconsistency were both issues for Williams. Will this be a problem in the NBA or will a role change and a change of scenery be enough for him to shake this habit?
Next: Phoenix Suns scouting: Michael Porter Jr.
Why would the Suns want Robert Williams?
Because he is one of the most physically dominant, athletically gifted players in this year’s NBA draft. If his offensive game pans out, Robert Williams will almost certainly be a star in the league for years to come. Phoenix would not target him at the top of the draft, however with the 16th overall pick if available, he may be ripe for the picking no matter who they select with their number one pick. Should Ryan McDonough truly covet him, look too for the potential that the Suns trade up a few spots in an attempt to guarantee a selection of Robert Williams, maybe moving up to around 10 to take him.