Mark Williams
If you would like to learn more about where Blake Wesley ranks on MIP 99, read more here!
Bio and Measurables:
| Age | 20 | MPG | 23.6 |
| Height | 7-0 | PPG | 11.2 |
| Weight | 243lb | RPG | 7.4 |
| Position | Center | APG | 0.9 |
| League | Duke | BLK | 2.8 |
| Draft Projection | Lotter Pick 12-18 | TO | 0.9 |
| Rookie Role | Rotation Player | FG% (3PT%) | 72.1% (0.0%) |
Strengths: During his time at Duke, Williams staked his claim as not only a first round pick but one of, if not, the best rim protecting prospect in the country. Averaging over two blocks a game in his most recent season he plays off his length and size to intimidate defenders and challenge at the rim. Even if he doesn’t get a piece of the ball he is always altering shots and should be a natural fit in NBA drop coverage. Excellent basketball IQ allows him to know when to jump, stay down, lean in for the block, or stay vertical when challenging drivers on the defensive end. As a team defender he has shown an affinity for helping on the weak side and patiently waiting for the right opportunities. Truthfully, Williams just knows where to be to send the ball back at opposing players. He is good in angles, protecting in drop coverage off the pick and roll, staying down on dribble moves, pumpfakes and good on the recovery. His size and strength won’t allow him to be bullied in the post and even when it seems like an offensive players has position, they won’t find an easy bucket with Williams down low. While he has limited switchability, as he grows, he should be able to hold his own on the perimeter against bigger offensive players. He showed that he could stay with offensive ball handlers as they work toward the basket and Charlotte will have to work on tapping into that potential going forward.
On the offensive end of the floor Williams is “limited” in comparison to the modern NBA but this doesn’t mean he won’t have an impact. He is always a lob threat due to his size and wingspan. His physical attributes allow him to finish above the rim from the dunker spot or on a cut. Once Williams gets to the back line of the defense there is a good chance he will be active around the rim. Truly he is a rim runner with excellent touch around the basket. A pick and roll nightmare, inbound plays and designed screens should allow him to get easy looks above the rim. At the next level he can continue to build on his already excellent finishing ability to help put pressure on the defense inside.
Areas of Improvement: As previously mentioned the main areas of improvement for Williams come on the offensive end of the floor. His range outside of five feet is currently non existent and it will take some time to develop anything tangible at the NBA level. Really if he isn’t featured in the pick and roll or cleaning up the offensive glass it is hard to find a way for him to contribute offensively. He certainly isn’t a floor spacer but his impact on the defensive end will earn him minutes to become comfortable shooting even 6 feet from the basket. He will also need to become a better play maker in the half court. In the new NBA while you will only stay relevant with a traditional offensive game if you can make plays with the ball in your hand. A shaky dribbler and poor passing touch at the collegiate level should be addressed throughout the preseason to help him acclimate to the Hornets offense. Defensively, he should continue to be aware of how to play without fouling and understand that high IQ players will want to attack and challenge him at the next level. Will have to stay on the floor to make an impact.
External Factors: Williams has an older sister who also played for Duke from 2011-2015. She now plays for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Based on the uncertainty at the center position in Charlotte, Williams should have a chance to be an immediate rotation player with significant minutes. A strong preseason and added development throughout the year could see him make a push to the starting role earlier than expected.
Medical History: The rookie center does not have any known medical issues that should be a concern regarding his future development.
Summary: Overall, Williams can be described as a defensive cornerstone with the potential to become an average offensive player. It will take time to develop an offensive game outside of 5 feet and even longer to get him behind the three point line with consistency. As an elite college shot blocker the Williams will earn his minutes on the defensive end of the floor, as long as he can stay out of foul trouble. In our opinion, he projects similar to Clint Capela.
MIP Projection: Charlotte Hornets – 15th pick