Grant Williams - 2019 NBA Draft Prospect

[timvp]

https://i.imgur.com/YjJqYoR.jpg

Grant Williams

School: Tennessee
Position: PF
Age: 20
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 240
Wingspan: 6-foot-11
Draft Range: 18 to 38

Why: High character, high basketball IQ (arguably the highest in the draft), unselfish player. Especially smart on the offensive end; makes the right passes, sees openings before they develop and takes care of the ball. Shooting improved over his three years at Tennessee (shot 32.6% on threes and 81.9% at the line as a junior). Has advanced post-up repertoire; spin move is especially lethal and knows how to get to the line. Is comfortable running the offense out of the post. Rugged defender with strong fundamentals. Isn't shy about defending out on the perimeter.

Why Not: Tiny for a bigman who has no shot at sliding over to small forward. Doesn't have an overly impressive wingspan to make up for his shortcomings. Not an athlete -- not fast, can't jump, not quick, can be slow to react at times. Top-heavy body, sub par athleticism and lack of length makes it questionable whether he could be a post threat in the NBA. Slow release on three-point shot ... and he has to hit threes to have an NBA career. Struggles to rebound at times against taller competition.

Spurs Fit: Not a huge amount of upside left to develop so he could be thrown into the fire for backup power forward minutes as a rookie to see how much his intelligence can camouflage his shortcomings.

Spurs Comparison - Ceiling: Boris Diaw without the sneaky athleticism

Spurs Comparison - Floor: Anthony Tolliver but smaller and stubbier

College Stats (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/grant-williams-1.html)
Highlight Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl2WZvWfYTM)
Tankathon Profile (http://www.tankathon.com/players/grant-williams)
The Stepien Profile (https://www.thestepien.com/2019/01/23/draft-notes-upside-case-grant-williams/)

[offset formation]

Well shit, you had me going until the Why Nots, then lost me. And then you kinda got me back with the Comparison Ceiling being Bobo. And then I remembered Bobo was completely unathletic, especially later in his career but would still stick the knife in and twist it.

Of everyone you have covered he might be worth a late 1st (thanks Toronto) or for sure a second if he makes it that far. If he could only develop a three point shot...

[TXstbobcat]

Several mock drafts have had the spurs taking him at 29

[cd021]

Yeah, kinda confused about his appeal. A 6'7 PF with a shaky jumper and unathletic isn't particularity appealing. Not interested.

[cd021]

Several mock drafts have had the spurs taking him at 29
Really hoping Spurs take Isiah Roby. A taller, longer, 3/4 player who can shoot it decently and is a good athlete.

[Strategic]

Torn between Paul Milsap and Cornbread Maxwell.

[Dejounte]

Grant is the Derrick White of this draft. His instincts and skills will give him a great future. After watching all his tape, he is far from a Boris Diaw type power forward. He can and will be a small forward in this league in the mold of a Paul Pierce / Kawhi hybrid. His post up skills are elite and would probably be the DeMar DeRozan replacement of the future. He is a big game player who turns it up when theres pressure. His athleticism is underrated and he is really strong, wont get bullied by star small forwards. Expect big time blocks and shots just like Derrick this year.

[RC_Drunkford]

Boris Diaw without the ATHLETICISM? :lmao:lmao:lmao Sounds worse than Kyle Anderson

[Dejounte]

How could there be no upside left for a player who has improved year to year. Is age the reason for a weird statement? Because people still believe Derrick can improve and he's freaking 25. What a strange take.

[timvp]

Boris Diaw without the ATHLETICISM? :lmao:lmao:lmao Sounds worse than Kyle Anderson

The secret to Diaw was he was quietly really athletic (until about '14, that is). When he needed to, he could casually get up to about the top of the square and he was quick enough to keep the majority of guards in front of him. Late stage Horry was similar.

[timvp]

How could there be no upside left for a player who has improved year to year. Is age the reason for a weird statement? Because people still believe Derrick can improve and he's freaking 25. What a strange take.

Didn't say no upside. Williams has limited upside due to not being too athletic. Non-athletes have to rely on skill and smarts ... and, to his credit, he's close to maxing those categories out. His remaining upside is due to the hope that he can turn into a knockdown three-point shooter and improve peripheral talents such as ball-handling.

White is a damn good athlete who doesn't have that much high level basketball under his belt.

[Dejounte]

Didn't say no upside. Williams has limited upside due to not being too athletic. Non-athletes have to rely on skill and smarts ... and, to his credit, he's close to maxing those categories out. His remaining upside is due to the hope that he can turn into a knockdown three-point shooter and improve peripheral talents such as ball-handling.

White is a damn good athlete who doesn't have that much high level basketball under his belt.

No one looked at Derrick White before or at the time he was drafted and thought "White is a damn good athlete". No one. Check the 2017 draft thread.

[timvp]

No one looked at Derrick White before or at the time he was drafted and thought "White is a damn good athlete". No one. Check the 2017 draft thread.

Did I post in that thread?

I mean, it's pretty obvious just looking at White's combine results that he was a damn good athlete.


Colorado Guard Derrick White posted the second best three-quarter sprint time at 3.08 (97th percentile historically) and tied for the third best standing vertical leap at 35.5 (99th percentile historically).

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Derrick-White-95407/

IMO, if your vertical is 99th percentile among NBA athletes historically and your sprint time is 97th percentile among NBA athlete historically, you classify as a damn good athlete, IMO.

[keithington1]

At 29 yes please!!!

[Chinook]

Not in love with him. I don't see him as the type of forward the team needs. If he can shoot, he has a chance to get minutes, but I just don't see the defensive ceiling. Maybe on the bench, his skills would work. If he's BPA so be it. I just hope he's not that at 19.

[99 Problems]

Just the mention of :bobohas me watching this guy for now.

[Dejounte]

This dude is a 3 year graduate. His mom is a NASA engineer. This guy will fit in here nicely to absorb knowledge a la Manu.

[Dejounte]

Did I post in that thread?

I mean, it's pretty obvious just looking at White's combine results that he was a damn good athlete.



IMO, if your vertical is 99th percentile among NBA athletes historically and your sprint time is 97th percentile among NBA athlete historically, you classify as a damn good athlete, IMO.

Meh I still go with what i said that not many people thought White was a damn good athlete. Sure, probably not seeing those numbers. But I regress, lets wait until the combine results for players...

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Meh I still go with what i said that not many people thought White was a damn good athlete. Sure, probably not seeing those numbers. But I regress, lets wait until the combine results for players...

Every draft there are players that obviously know how to play but don’t have the athleticism and tools, just like this dude Williams here. Then there are guys who have the tools but not the skills like Nassir Little or Sekou. Teams usually go for the latter especially early in the draft.

However, every once in a while there’s a dude who, for whatever reason, is viewed as unathletic but has untapped or hidden potential there while knowing how to play - this is White. I also remember him being described as old and unathletic with limited potential. From what we know and can see as fans we have no reason to doubt these conclusions but thankfully the Spurs have more information and knowledge, so I’d be excited if they get a guy like that as they usually have development plans for these players and are good at it.

[Dejounte]

Every draft there are players that obviously know how to play but don’t have the athleticism and tools, just like this dude Williams here. Then there are guys who have the tools but not the skills like Nassir Little or Sekou. Teams usually go for the latter especially early in the draft.

However, every once in a while there’s a dude who, for whatever reason, is viewed as unathletic but has untapped or hidden potential there while knowing how to play - this is White. I also remember him being described as old and unathletic with limited potential. From what we know and can see as fans we have no reason to doubt these conclusions but thankfully the Spurs have more information and knowledge, so I’d be excited if they get a guy like that as they usually have development plans for these players and are good at it.

Like I said, lets wait until we see Grant's combine results. I think his numbers will surprise people. But then again, if it does, then hes gone by the 15th. I really dont believe for a minute he is as unathletic as people view him here as. Far from it. His speed and strength may turn out to be better than Little or Sekou.

[cd021]

Every draft there are players that obviously know how to play but don’t have the athleticism and tools, just like this dude Williams here. Then there are guys who have the tools but not the skills like Nassir Little or Sekou. Teams usually go for the latter especially early in the draft.

However, every once in a while there’s a dude who, for whatever reason, is viewed as unathletic but has untapped or hidden potential there while knowing how to play - this is White. I also remember him being described as old and unathletic with limited potential. From what we know and can see as fans we have no reason to doubt these conclusions but thankfully the Spurs have more information and knowledge, so I’d be excited if they get a guy like that as they usually have development plans for these players and are good at it.

White was a great athlete in comp to last years draft and was fairly tall for a PG with a good wing span, I could see more of a case for him as an good NBA player but with Grant it's harder to see.

Williams is a 6'7 PF, with meh athleticism and no 3pt shot. He seems to take a lot of mid range jumpers, some of them in the turn around variety. Hard to see him being able to get that shot off against bigger and longer defenders.

At least with someone like Anderson, he had the potential of being a 3/4 due to his massive arm span and his knack for forcing turnovers and blocking shots. In addition to being a good rebounder and an above average play maker at 6'9.

[Dejounte]

White was a great athlete in comp to last years draft and was fairly tall for a PG with a good wing span, I could see more of a case for him as an good NBA player but with Grant it's harder to see.

Williams is a 6'7 PF, with meh athleticism and no 3pt shot. He seems to take a lot of mid range jumpers, some of them in the turn around variety. Hard to see him being able to get that shot off against bigger and longer defenders.

At least with someone like Anderson, he had the potential of being a 3/4 due to his massive arm span and his knack for forcing turnovers and blocking shots. In addition to being a good rebounder and an above average play maker at 6'9.

Derrick had an average wingspan. It was only 6'7". Tony Parker had 7'1"

[DesignatedT]

Carl Landry type. I would pass. Much rather Okeke in this range.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Derrick had an average wingspan. It was only 6'7". Tony Parker had 7'1"

What?

[cd021]

Derrick had an average wingspan. It was only 6'7". Tony Parker had 7'1"
An average wing span would be around 6'3 for White, considering he is 6'3 1/2 without shoes on. A 6'7 arm span is above average, it's not LaMarcus' in terms of length but it is good for a player who is a 1.

Assuming you meant 6'1 for Parker which is average considering his height.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Gotta see if he is more athletic and has a bigger wingspan than reported when he attends the combine. If so and he works on his jumper and slims down a little he might can play the 3.

Most likely everything that's reported about his lack of athleticism and wingspan is true which makes me think he is a no go for a 1st round pick from our squad.

He was a good NCAA player and seemed smart on the court so he might find his niche in the NBA but I think he is most likely Europe bound for a long and productive career there.

[ATC_VOL]

Grant’s game got summed up really well in the first post. He’s terrific on the block backing people down in college but his height will prevent that from being a strong point of his game as a 4 in the NBA. He does have a knack for squaring his shoulders up for a good look out of odd angles, if that makes sense. His outside shot and ball handling have improved every season while at Tennessee, which makes me think he might be able to play some SF. If he gets a 2nd round grade there’s a decent chance he returns to school.

[Nathan89]

Meh I still go with what i said that not many people thought White was a damn good athlete. Sure, probably not seeing those numbers. But I regress, lets wait until the combine results for players...

There were numbers showing his athleticism in the draft night thread. Perhaps not before we drafted him but they were posted quickly afterwards.

[Kurgan]

Derrick had an average wingspan. It was only 6'7". Tony Parker had 7'1"

Parker's wingspan is nowhere near 7'1''. Use your eyes instead of believing the inaccurate shit on google.

[KayBee]

Umm, wrong Tony Parker.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Tony-Parker-(GA)-6136/

[Dejounte]

Parker's wingspan is nowhere near 7'1''. Use your eyes instead of believing the inaccurate shit on google.

Lmao my bad. 6'7" is still not spectacular for a modern PG.

[r0drig0lac]

At 29 yes please!!!

[kobyz]

Carl Landry type. I would pass. Much rather Okeke in this range.

Carl Landry was a black hole as you can find, never pass in his life, this guy is an unselfish and has playmaking skills...

[cd021]

Gotta see if he is more athletic and has a bigger wingspan than reported when he attends the combine. If so and he works on his jumper and slims down a little he might can play the 3.

Most likely everything that's reported about his lack of athleticism and wingspan is true which makes me think he is a no go for a 1st round pick from our squad.

He was a good NCAA player and seemed smart on the court so he might find his niche in the NBA but I think he is most likely Europe bound for a long and productive career there.

Slimming down may make him faster but that doesn't mean he can be a NBA 3, especially if he can't shoot from 3.

[look_at_g_shred]

Hard pass.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Slimming down may make him faster but that doesn't mean he can be a NBA 3, especially if he can't shoot from 3.

I also stated working on his jumper aka his jump shot, which also means his 3 point shot.

I honestly don't think he will last in the NBA outside of some serious work on his game so I hope the Spurs don't draft the young man

[cd021]

I also stated working on his jumper aka his jump shot, which also means his 3 point shot.

I honestly don't think he will last in the NBA outside of some serious work on his game so I hope the Spurs don't draft the young man

He seems to be a tweener in the old definition of the word. Probably too small to be a 4 full time and to slow of foot/ mediocre athletically to play the 3.

[SpurPadre]

Fuck this unathletic motherfucker...which means we'll get him, smh.

[joeyjfive]

Definitely wouldn’t mind this guy with the 29th pick. There’s no way he can play SF, I have no idea why people are thinking that. He’d clearly be a modern day PF. Obviously he’s going to have to develop his shot.

[Dejounte]

Definitely wouldn’t mind this guy with the 29th pick. There’s no way he can play SF, I have no idea why people are thinking that. He’d clearly be a modern day PF. Obviously he’s going to have to develop his shot.

He has a shot. His free throw percentages are elite which shows he can extend his range. In fact, hes been working on 3s all summer. Not sure why people cant see why he will be a SF. He has the same measurables as Zion, its not like he is short and has a short wingspan.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/Vol_Sports/status/1126981963670331393?s=19

A player who can do all this is destined to be a Spur.

[joeyjfive]

He has a shot. His free throw percentages are elite which shows he can extend his range. In fact, hes been working on 3s all summer. Not sure why people cant see why he will be a SF. He has the same measurables as Zion, its not like he is short and has a short wingspan.

He is way too slow to be a SF. He also has no where near the athleticism of Zion. I like the guy and that shot you are talking about but at PF.

[BillMc]

The secret to Diaw was he was quietly really athletic (until about '14, that is). When he needed to, he could casually get up to about the top of the square and he was quick enough to keep the majority of guards in front of him. Late stage Horry was similar.

Yeah, Bobo was actually an excellent athlete until the end. Anyone even remember him guarding LeBron for stints in '13? Read an article on how Boris had the highest vertical on those old Suns teams.

[cd021]

He has a shot. His free throw percentages are elite which shows he can extend his range. In fact, hes been working on 3s all summer. Not sure why people cant see why he will be a SF. He has the same measurables as Zion, its not like he is short and has a short wingspan.


He is way too slow to be a SF. He also has no where near the athleticism of Zion. I like the guy and that shot you are talking about but at PF.

He definitely isn't an NBA 3 and his FT% isn't "elite" he's a 76% FT shooter during his career. Being a good FT shooter doesn't imply he will develop and NBA 3 ball. There have been PFs that have been good at the line and not developed a 3pt shot *coughs* Aldridge.

Zion is a freak athlete (40 inch max), Grant certainly isn't that.

[Chinook]

Yeah, Bobo was actually an excellent athlete until the end. Anyone even remember him guarding LeBron for stints in '13? Read an article on how Boris had the highest vertical on those old Suns teams.

Diaw had incredible coordination and elite hops. I think he was agile "for his size", but his size was substantial, and it totally affected his mobility. James absolutely wrecked Diaw in 2013. The only times it ever worked is when James decided to just post up anyway. To compare, Cunningham did a way better job on James this past season.

[Philthemage]

Maybe he can be molded into a draymond green type of player.

[SilverSpur]

Don’t like him. Give me Brandon Clarke or Cam Johnson

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1128094067747971073

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1128094067747971073

This dude will surprise a lot of people with how well he can shoot. Like I said,his free throw percentage is elite.

[Nathan89]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1128094067747971073

Draftexpress comeback already. :depressed

[ace3g]

Guess who his favorite player is?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr6Midr2JUU

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/Sr6Midr2JUU

Grant wants to model his game after Kawhi. We have to get this dude.

[Nathan89]

Maybe he can be molded into a draymond green type of player.

He doesn't have the wingspan and his athleticism is currently suspect. The biggest concern for him is draymond's greatest strength. They are both undersized bigs and they are both strong.

[DPG21920]

I can see him being someone SA likes a lot. Besides shooting, which seems like he should be good, the question is really how many positions can he actually defend. If he can be like a Draymond type (but a better shooter) then that is massive team need.

[Dejounte]

Kawhi was not some athletic freak coming out of college, was he?

[Nathan89]

Great interview. I've already watched an interview of him and he's very aware/intelligent and very likable. The 3 players he's focusing on are spot on for him. Hopefully he proves himself athletically at the combine. If he does and improves his draft position I'd be happy with taking him 19.

[Dejounte]

Great interview. I've already watched an interview of him and he's very aware/intelligent and very likable. The 3 players he's focusing on are spot on for him. Hopefully he proves himself athletically at the combine. If he does and improves his draft position I'd be happy with taking him 19.

He might not even be there at this rate. Dude's stock is gonna skyrocket. Pacers might want him. Hopefully Spurs are willing to trade up for this guy.

[Nathan89]

Kawhi was not some athletic freak coming out of college, was he?

Based on his combine stats, no.

[SpaceCoast Spursfan]

He doesn't have the wingspan and his athleticism is currently suspect. The biggest concern for him is draymond's greatest strength. They are both undersized bigs and they are both strong.

His wingspan is still much bigger than height and only two inches shorter than Green (6'11 VS 7'1). However Draymond was able to make pretty big leap athletically just by taking diet/conditioning seriously - something he didn't do in college. From what I have seen of Williams, he is thick but it's muscle; not the Pillsbury doughboy look Green had at State. I really like him as a player and fits Spurs mentality, but I agree that on the defensive end he is unlikely to match Green's impact. He is however a much better and complete offensive player.

[GBO542]

As a Tennessee fan as well as a Spurs fan, I would be beyond happy to get him at 29. Unfortunately I don’t think he’ll be there. Grant is just a winner and works his ass off. He’s a really smart guy on and off the floor and would be a fan favorite in no time. The comments about his athleticism being underrated are accurate. He’s a very good shot blocker that couldn’t aggressively do so because he couldn’t risk getting in foul trouble. Get him with Chip for a few months and he’d be a very valuable rotation guy that could turn into more than that. He’d be an outstanding get at 29 and I’d be ok with taking him at 19 really.

[Dejounte]

As a Tennessee fan as well as a Spurs fan, I would be beyond happy to get him at 29. Unfortunately I don’t think he’ll be there. Grant is just a winner and works his ass off. He’s a really smart guy on and off the floor and would be a fan favorite in no time. The comments about his athleticism being underrated are accurate. He’s a very good shot blocker that couldn’t aggressively do so because he couldn’t risk getting in foul trouble. Get him with Chip for a few months and he’d be a very valuable rotation guy that could turn into more than that. He’d be an outstanding get at 29 and I’d be ok with taking him at 19 really.

We have to get him with the 19. Package Bertans with the 29 to tget even higher to get him.

[GBO542]

We have to get him with the 19. Package Bertans with the 29 to tget even higher to get him.

I don’t see them moving up for him unfortunately. There’s a good shot he’s there at 19 though, I think.

[BillMc]

Wouldn't mind if we drafted him.

[TD 21]

If they don't package and move up and there's no one they're interested in that unexpectedly falls, I could see him being the guy at 19.

Checks a lot of the boxes we know they prioritize. Somewhat fills a positional need (so long as he becomes a credible 3-point threat, which seems a better chance of happening than someone like Clarke).

Reminds me some of Millsap, though he lacks the athleticism/length.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Kawhi was not some athletic freak coming out of college, was he?

Kawhi's body type is freakish. He has those huge hands and a 7'4" wingspan which helps him overcome his solid but not great athleticism. Not to mention Kawhi was strong and always played a more power game coming out of San Diego State. He was given great instructions on what he had to do to become a wing player in the NBA before the draft and he took it and ran with it.

[Dejounte]

If they don't package and move up and there's no one they're interested in that unexpectedly falls, I could see him being the guy at 19.

Checks a lot of the boxes we know they prioritize. Somewhat fills a positional need (so long as he becomes a credible 3-point threat, which seems a better chance of happening than someone like Clarke).

Reminds me some of Millsap, though he lacks the athleticism/length.

I dont get the Millsap comparison. Millsap bullies his way into the paint to score and takes face up shots to score. Grant scores by fade aways and crafty moves to lay it up. Rui is the best comparison to Millsap.

[Dejounte]

Kawhi's body type is freakish. He has those huge hands and a 7'4" wingspan which helps him overcome his solid but not great athleticism. Not to mention Kawhi was strong and always played a more power game coming out of San Diego State. He was given great instructions on what he had to do to become a wing player in the NBA before the draft and he took it and ran with it.

7'3" is his wingspan. But yeah, he had great measurables. Same case can be made for Grant though. Grant has a power game and is taking notes from Kawhi on how to become a wing player. He mentions in the video that hes working on lateral quickness

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

7'3" is his wingspan. But yeah, he had great measurables. Same case can be made for Grant though. Grant has a power game and is taking notes from Kawhi on how to become a wing player. He mentions in the video that hes working on lateral quickness

Grant's wingspan and hand size isn't as big. If Grant ends up having a +7' ( or close) wingspan and a crazy standing reach then he might turn out to be a solid NBA player. I can't wait to see his combine numbers.

He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and already has a man's body which is a plus. I just don't know if he can play the 3 in the NBA but we will see.

Draftexpress dudes seem to like him

https://youtu.be/hKIZDhh6m4E

[Dejounte]

Grant's wingspan and hand size isn't as big. If Grant ends up having a +7' ( or close) wingspan and a crazy standing reach then he might turn out to be a solid NBA player. I can't wait to see his combine numbers.

He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and already has a man's body which is a plus. I just don't know if he can play the 3 in the NBA but we will see.

Draftexpress dudes seem to like him

https://youtu.be/hKIZDhh6m4E

Tankathon lists his wingspan as 6'11".

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKIZDhh6m4E&feature=youtu.be

[exstatic]

Grant's wingspan and hand size isn't as big. If Grant ends up having a +7' ( or close) wingspan and a crazy standing reach then he might turn out to be a solid NBA player. I can't wait to see his combine numbers.

He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and already has a man's body which is a plus. I just don't know if he can play the 3 in the NBA but we will see.

Draftexpress dudes seem to like him

https://youtu.be/hKIZDhh6m4E

Tankathon's advanced stats jump off the page. The color code, with emphatic red being awful, red being bad, black being neutral, green being good, and emphatic green being outstanding.

.646 TS% green
26.5 USG green
8.4 OBPM emphatic green
5.2 DBPM green
13.6 BPM green

Know who the only other player who is green across the board for advanced stats is? Zion.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB4Nby2Ai-g

[duncan2150]

Tankathon's advanced stats jump off the page. The color code, with emphatic red being awful, red being bad, black being neutral, green being good, and emphatic green being outstanding.

.646 TS% green
26.5 USG green
8.4 OBPM emphatic green
5.2 DBPM green
13.6 BPM green

Know who the only other player who is green across the board for advanced stats is? Zion.

I start to like this guy but for the 29 th pick. I doubt i will be there if he plays well at the combine but he looks interesting.

[exstatic]

I start to like this guy but for the 29 th pick. I doubt i will be there if he plays well at the combine but he looks interesting.

Tankathon has him going #21 to OKC, but rate him #17 on the big board, which is 'needs/team' neutral.

[duncan2150]

Tankathon has him going #21 to OKC, but rate him #17 on the big board, which is 'needs/team' neutral.

yes i could see him in the 15-25 range maybe more 20-25.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Tankathon's advanced stats jump off the page. The color code, with emphatic red being awful, red being bad, black being neutral, green being good, and emphatic green being outstanding.

.646 TS% green
26.5 USG green
8.4 OBPM emphatic green
5.2 DBPM green
13.6 BPM green

Know who the only other player who is green across the board for advanced stats is? Zion.

I've been checking out a few prospects on tankathon and I seen his page also. We will see how things turn out for this young man.

I like the fact that he knows he is going to most likely have to play the 3 in the NBA and is working on those skills right now

[exstatic]

I've been checking out a few prospects on tankathon and I seen his page also. We will see how things turn out for this young man.

I like the fact that he knows he is going to most likely have to play the 3 in the NBA and is working on those skills right now

If you go to the mock page, and click on Advanced view, he and Bruno will jump out at you with clean green or mostly green across the board, both going in the vicinity of 20. They'll probably be great value picks there.

[Dejounte]

Tankathon's advanced stats jump off the page. The color code, with emphatic red being awful, red being bad, black being neutral, green being good, and emphatic green being outstanding.

.646 TS% green
26.5 USG green
8.4 OBPM emphatic green
5.2 DBPM green
13.6 BPM green

Know who the only other player who is green across the board for advanced stats is? Zion.

This is what Ive been trying to tell everybody. People get caught up way too much about athleticism.

[timvp]

Interesting combine results so far. Measured 6-foot-5.75 without shoes (6-foot-7.5 with shoes :rolleyes) with a 6-foot-9.75 wingspan. That's a bit smaller than expected. But he also weighed a legit 240 with 5.4% body fat so he's in really good shape.

[Dejounte]

Results are in for Grant Williams
5.4% body fat
9" hand length
10.5" hand width
6' 5.75" without shoes ( taller than Nassir Little)
6.75" with shoes
8'8.5" ( same as Nassir Little)
240 lb
6'9.75" vs 7'1.25" (Nassir Little's)

I still want this dude.

[timvp]

Results are in for Grant Williams
5.4% body fat
9" hand length
10.5" hand width
6' 5.75" without shoes ( taller than Nassir Little)
6.75" with shoes
8'8.5" ( same as Nassir Little)
240 lb
6'9.75" vs 7'1.25" (Nassir Little's)

I still want this dude.

With as good of shape as he's in, he should do well in the athletic drills. We'll see.

But unless you're drafting him as a wing, I don't think it's worthwhile to compare to Little who is definitely being drafted as a wing.

[Dejounte]

His hand size is impressive. I wonder if he can palm the ball as effectively as Kawhi?

For reference,
Kawhi Leonards measurements (who was a freak)
6'6" without shoes
6'7" with shoes
7'3" wingspan
8'10" standing reach
9.8" hand length
11.3" hand width

[Dejounte]

With as good of shape as he's in, he should do well in the athletic drills. We'll see.

But unless you're drafting him as a wing, I don't think it's worthwhile to compare to Little who is definitely being drafted as a wing.

Im banking on him being drafted as our future wing. Yall heard it from me first if this guy gets drafted by the Spurs. I was the first bandwagoner.

[exstatic]

Im banking on him being drafted as our future wing. Yall heard it from me first if this guy gets drafted by the Spurs. I was the first bandwagoner.

I don't think he'll be agile enough or shoot well enough to be a wing. He's not even fat that he could drop some weight. He could be a killer small ball 4, though.

[cd021]

Results are in for Grant Williams
5.4% body fat
9" hand length
10.5" hand width
6' 5.75" without shoes ( taller than Nassir Little)
6.75" with shoes
8'8.5" ( same as Nassir Little)
240 lb
6'9.75" vs 7'1.25" (Nassir Little's)

I still want this dude.
He's 2 inches taller with shoes? Never seen to that before. Frankly, his measurements don't change my mind on him as a prospect. He's pretty undersized as a full-time powerful word and not fast enough to play small forward. He's an old-school tweener- in the bad way and not in the modern Draymond Green way.

Would much rather have PJ Washington or Rui who are more likely to succeed as PFs than he is and Roby who looks capable of playing both positions in the NBA

[Dejounte]

Dude has been shooting 3s like nothing and has been working on lateral quickness. I dont understand why people doubt someone who has shown growth for the past 2 years. If he can learn post skills in a span of a year, he cant improve his agility? Ill say it again....he will be fast enough and will shoot well enough as a small forward in this league. I said it first.

[exstatic]

Dude has been shooting 3s like nothing and has been working on lateral quickness. I dont understand why people doubt someone who has shown growth for the past 2 years. If he can learn post skills in a span of a year, he cant improve his agility? Ill say it again....he will be fast enough and will shoot well enough as a small forward in this league. I said it first.

3s like nothing? Workouts mean shit. He shot 33% in games, and is projected for 34% in the NBA, according to Tankathon.

You can also work out to maximize whatever agility/lateral quickness you would top out at, but that's it. You can't get more. The NFL analogy is that some guys can never play corner, even if they're fast enough. Their hips won't open up to allow them to backpedal and react to moves. NBA defense is similar. Oh, and it just takes longer to change direction at 240 lbs. Can't do anything about that. It's just pure physics.

[timvp]

So Grant Williams had a standing vertical of 26 inches and a max vertical of 31.5 inches. That's ... really bad. The second worst measurements in each category that have tested so far -- only ahead of a 7-foot-1 center (Moses Brown). To compare, Matt Bonner jumped higher: 27 inches standing, 32 inches max.

And Williams already has low body fat so I'm not sure how he can go about increasing his vert too much.

Uh oh.

[kobyz]

He's very similar to PJ Tucker coming out of Texas...

[Dejounte]

So Grant Williams had a standing vertical of 26 inches and a max vertical of 31.5 inches. That's ... really bad. The second worst measurements in each category that have tested so far -- only ahead of a 7-foot-1 center (Moses Brown). To compare, Matt Bonner jumped higher: 27 inches standing, 32 inches max.

And Williams already has low body fat so I'm not sure how he can go about increasing his vert too much.

Uh oh.

Hes tanking his value so he drops to us. CIA Pop

[TD 21]

Im banking on him being drafted as our future wing. Yall heard it from me first if this guy gets drafted by the Spurs. I was the first bandwagoner.

Unless you mean it in the sense that "PF" is mostly played by converted wings today (which is why I refer to it as big wing), he has no chance of playing wing in the NBA.

[exstatic]

I wonder if Tankathon will do an update Mock and Big Board, post combine? I still like this kid, but only as I always have: as a 4.

[ATC_VOL]

Announced he’s officially staying in the draft.

[Russ]

Announced he’s officially staying in the draft.

He was the only projected 1st round pick who participated in the 5 on 5 scrimmages at the Combine, for what it's worth.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

He was the only projected 1st round pick who participated in the 5 on 5 scrimmages at the Combine, for what it's worth.

Supposedly shot bad but did a lot of the little things to help teams win.

[Nathan89]

Standing reach is .5 inches less than Draymond. He tested great on agility and spinting. So if agility was your big concern with him then you should be pleased with the results.

[R. DeMurre]

As good as his advanced stats are, Brandon Clarke's are still much better & that's with a lower usage rate... interesting. Of course, Clarke is also two years older.
GMs have some tough decisions to make. Both guys look like possibilities to drop because of measurements: Clarke because of wingspan (although his other performances were elite), and Williams because of really subpar leaping ability.

[DesignatedT]

Carl Landry type. I would pass. Much rather Okeke in this range.

I was actually thinking of PJ Washington.

This guy will prob slip due to his size and measurements. At 29 it seems like a solid pick at 19 I’m not certain.

[Russ]

He was the only projected 1st round pick who participated in the 5 on 5 scrimmages at the Combine, for what it's worth.

He apparently underwhelmed in the 5 on 5 . . .

[BackHome]

At 29 yes at 19 I would pass

[Dejounte]

He apparently underwhelmed in the 5 on 5 . . .

He shot poorly but he had 4 steals, 3 blocks, and 4 assists. His coach during scrimmage (Kendrick Perkins) said his leadership stood out.

[Russ]

He shot poorly but he had 4 steals, 3 blocks, and 4 assists. His coach during scrimmage (Kendrick Perkins) said his leadership stood out.

Perhaps the better Spurs comparison would be Kyle Anderson . . .

[FireMicoHalili]

6'7 PF with a 6'11 wingspan. Nope

[tim_duncan_fan]

There are 4 main attributes, the tangibles:

Fast, Tall, Strong, Shoots 3s.

You want at least 2 of these, and strength is less important than the others.

This guy is just strong and nothing else.

Cant spend a #19 on a short guy who doesn't defend the perimeter and also doesn't attack the perimeter.

You can barely afford to pay anyone short for their position at all. They better have all the other attributes. This guy doesnt.

We have enough short, slow guys that cant defend 3s or shoot them.

[Dejounte]

6'7 PF with a 6'11 wingspan. Nope

Paul George is 6'8" and has a 6'11" wingspan

I think 6'7" with 6'11" wingspan is the bare minimum we need if we want a solid defender at the SF spot. That is the size most decent defenders have against small forwards.

[cd021]

Paul George is 6'8" and has a 6'11" wingspan

I think 6'7" with 6'11" wingspan is the bare minimum we need if we want a solid defender at the SF spot. That is the size most decent defenders have against small forwards.

PG is/was an excellent athlete who could defend on the perimeter, Williams can't.

If we want length and size, Roby is 6'8 with a 7'2 wingspan, good athlete and can play both forward spots.

[Dejounte]

PG is/was an excellent athlete who could defend on the perimeter, Williams can't.

If we want length and size, Roby is 6'8 with a 7'2 wingspan, good athlete and can play both forward spots.

I wasnt describing Grant with my post. And I agree with you about Roby. After doing more research, i wouldnt be disappointed if we dont draft Grant. Ill be really happy if we get Roby. But I think Roby will be drafted at 28 by the Warriors.

[duncan2150]

I agree with last comments but he also bring a lot of other things like passing, a good IQ.

but I will not take him at 19, could be a nice pick at 29.

[GBO542]

Again, as a huge Tennessee fan I feel like I probably know the guys game better than anyone on here. He is incredibly basketball smart and knows his game and what his role will be. He’ll never be a dead eye shooter but he’ll knock them down at a high enough rate to keep defenses honest. His post game will 100% translate to the NBA assuming he’s matched up appropriately, but he’ll know when he should and shouldn’t utilize it (his spin move is rivaled by nine and he’s LETHAL from the elbow. His passing is also a pretty underrated part of his game.
Defense is where he’ll earn spots on teams. He’s excellent at going straight up to contest at the rim and he’s a really impressive shot blocker at his size. Like I mentioned before, he didn’t get to be as aggressive as he’d like because he couldn’t risk foul trouble because he had to stay on the floor. His vertical numbers were very shocking to me. He looks to be one of those guys that plays more athletic than he tests if that makes sense. The guy will be a huge asset to whatever team he lands on and I hope he ends up in San Antonio.

[Dejounte]

Per latest article by the Athletic,he has a workout scheduled with the Spurs soon.

[timvp]

So far, I'd be fine with him at 29. Happy, even. But a guy who is shorter, stubbier and less athletic than Matt Bonner would be a tough swallow at 19, IMO.

But I'll watch more tape on him soon to see if I can change my mind :reading

[FireMicoHalili]

Paul George is 6'8" and has a 6'11" wingspan

I think 6'7" with 6'11" wingspan is the bare minimum we need if we want a solid defender at the SF spot. That is the size most decent defenders have against small forwards.
Williams is a power forward by default who doesn't have the handles of a small forward. If you're 6'7 and you're a power forward you better have great handles or an absurd wingspan. Even Blair had to have a 7'3" wingspan just to crack it in the league. Williams might be worth the 49th pick but definitely not one of the team's two first round picks.

[timvp]

Finished watching him during the combine scrimmages ... and I wasn't impressed. Overall, he was 0-for-9 on threes and it looks like his stroke will struggle to translate to the NBA three-point line. Also didn't finish well at the rim.

Still wouldn't mind him at 29. At 19? Eh, I don't know if I can get behind it when his ceiling might be somewhere between Fattest Diaw and Jared Dudley.

[Dejounte]

Finished watching him during the combine scrimmages ... and I wasn't impressed. Overall, he was 0-for-9 on threes and it looks like his stroke will struggle to translate to the NBA three-point line. Also didn't finish well at the rim.

Still wouldn't mind him at 29. At 19? Eh, I don't know if I can get behind it when his ceiling might be somewhere between Fattest Diaw and Jared Dudley.

I watched this too. I was unimpressed by him not chasing the players on the perimeter. Seemed like he gave up chasing when they got around picks. Thats not going to fly under Pop. Maybe he wasnt trying as hard. We will see. Like I said, ive softened my stance with Grant. If we are looking at small forwards, I say Roby and Samanic are good choices. If we pick Grant, the Spurs must have faith to turn him into a small forward.

[Dejounte]

Finished watching him during the combine scrimmages ... and I wasn't impressed. Overall, he was 0-for-9 on threes and it looks like his stroke will struggle to translate to the NBA three-point line. Also didn't finish well at the rim.

Still wouldn't mind him at 29. At 19? Eh, I don't know if I can get behind it when his ceiling might be somewhere between Fattest Diaw and Jared Dudley.

Id also like to note that i have more of a problem with his defense than him missing 3 pt shots. I think the 3 pt shot can improve easily. They just go in or they dont. Defense is effort though. And it was lacking during his scrimmage.

[Degoat]

I’d still be fine taking him at 29, his combine scrimmage wasn’t good but honestly it shows his character that he played in it, Most guys don’t even compete in the scrimmage

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/1130441481620197376

Saw Perk (Kendrick Perkins) walking down a hall in Chicago, so I stopped & asked about Tennessee’s Grant Williams. His first words: “Grant Williams is a beast,” he said. #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash) know it too.. which is why he’ll be in SA soon for a workout.

Will have a workout with the spurs

[timvp]

Williams ended up leading the combine in bench press. But the fact that his body fat is so low and he's already a beast in the weight room yet still can't jump at all might make it even more worrisome. He's not like a Draymond Green who could unveil another level of athleticism after losing a couple layers of baby fat. This guy is in great shape but still can't jump ... and that's a bad mix when he's also short and stubby.

I'm failing to convince myself that he's someone who should be picked at 19.

[Dejounte]

Williams ended up leading the combine in bench press. But the fact that his body fat is so low and he's already a beast in the weight room yet still can't jump at all might make it even more worrisome. He's not like a Draymond Green who could unveil another level of athleticism after losing a couple layers of baby fat. This guy is in great shape but still can't jump ... and that's a bad mix when he's also short and stubby.

I'm failing to convince myself that he's someone who should be picked at 19.

In the same boat. Maybe he will be there at the 29th. I just think he has immense value culture wise. He could transform chemistry among this team into a much closer knit group. If the Spurs do pick him at 19th, you gotta believe they see something special there. They have made great picks the last few years.

[Dejounte]

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx3Y0n9D1s4/?igshid=1wu7m5tieoyks

[Dejounte]

Footage of Grants hops I haven’t seen in other videos:

https://youtu.be/2QX56au_cQ4

[Dejounte]

https://www.rockytoptalk.com/2019/5/24/18635526/grant-williams-2019-nba-draft-profile-scouting-report-tennessee-basketball

New article on GWill

Spurs love prospects who trend up year after year like Derrick White

[Dejounte]

In depth scouting report on GWill. Probably the most well written scouting report I’ve seen:

https://www.redteamscouting.com/grant-williams

[keithington1]

The only way he'll work on the spurs roster is if he starts at pf. Unless he plays center of the bench with Rudy. Too many guard who need minutes. I'm liking Horton Tucker/ Keldon Johnson for 19.

[Dejounte]

https://fansided.com/2019/05/28/grant-williams-strength-top-10-pick/

[kobyz]

I'm starting to get my hopes up for us to draft this guy, the more I trying to figure him the more i believe in his ability to transfer from his college PF status to be able to play more on the perimeter in the NBA, offensively and defensively... He does have similarity in body, skills, style and toughness to players who successfully made that transition like Ron Artest and PJ Tucker... I'll be happy taking him even at #19...

[exstatic]

I'm starting to get my hopes up for us to draft this guy, the more I trying to figure him the more i believe in his ability to transfer from his college PF status to be able to play more on the perimeter in the NBA, offensively and defensively... He does have similarity in body, skills, style and toughness to players who successfully made that transition like Ron Artest and PJ Tucker... I'll be happy taking him even at #19...

Nah, he's a 4, through and through. If you're trying for anything else, you're setting yourself and him up for failure. He could be a pretty good 4, though.

[look_at_g_shred]

No. Please. God.

[cd021]

No. Please. God.
Agreed.

After Brandon Clarke, he's my least favorite prospect in the 10-30 range.

[Cardinal]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KawcTNLcLlU

[GBO542]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KawcTNLcLlU

Wow he’s looking great! Shot looks much quicker and he’s knocking down at a good clip. Grant will be a legitimate contributor for a long time. He’s probably my favorite basketball Vol of all time and its great to see him getting a shot in the league. Coming to San Antonio would be a great fit for him too.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

Tough to say about this guy. Could be G League MVP?

[timvp]

TheAthletic's mock draft has him going 29. I don't like Williams at 19 but at 29 I'd be okay with it.


Nah, he's a 4, through and through. If you're trying for anything else, you're setting yourself and him up for failure. He could be a pretty good 4, though.

Exactly :tu

I tried looking at him as a three (or even a 3/4) and it just doesn't work. Nothing about him is translatable to the perimeter.

But if you imagine him has a bench four who adds to your team's IQ, he has enough value to take at the end of the first round. He's strong, super smart, competes and has some skill.

If he peaks somewhere between Old Boris Diaw and Old David West, that's not bad and actually fills a hole on the roster.

[DesignatedT]

Warming up to him at 29. I would be happy with Okeke or Williams at the 29 spot.

[exstatic]

TheAthletic's mock draft has him going 29. I don't like Williams at 19 but at 29 I'd be okay with it.



Exactly :tu

I tried looking at him as a three (or even a 3/4) and it just doesn't work. Nothing about him is translatable to the perimeter.

But if you imagine him has a bench four who adds to your team's IQ, he has enough value to take at the end of the first round. He's strong, super smart, competes and has some skill.

If he peaks somewhere between Old Boris Diaw and Old David West, that's not bad and actually fills a hole on the roster.

Diaw is exactly what I was thinking, with a dash of ZBo in the post. Guys who aren't super athletic can still learn to get their shot of in the post. Both of the mentioned players could. He's got secondary play maker skills that the Spurs like, which is where the Diaw comparisons come in. I think he's smart enough and good enough that he'll still be playing NBA ball in 2030. One VERY good sign is his FT%. That is a marker that someone can be taught a repetitive shooting motion, like, I don't know, a three pointer. It went from 67% as a freshman to 76% as a sophomore, to 82% as a junior.

[Dejounte]

Grant williams did well tonight. +21 leads the team with a nice statline.

[D WHITE]

Spurs should have drafted this guy -- he's like Boris Diaw but STRONG.

[exstatic]

Yawn. Another dissatisfied customer...

[DAF86]

Spurs should have drafted this guy -- he's like Boris Diaw but STRONG.

A 6'5" bigman that can't jump, shoot nor defend in the post. Sure, he's nice switching and playing team defense when he isn't being targeted in the post, and someday he might be able to develop his post defense and shooting enough to become a poor man PJ Tucker, but there's no way I look at this guys and think "damn, how we let this guy go?", tbh.