1. Grant Williams, Tennessee
Grant Williams will enter June 20 as a top-15 prospect on my draft board. He shouldn’t be available in the second round. Intel-laden mocks like ESPN and The Athletic, however, have placed Williams in that range nonetheless. Teams are worried about his tweener status and lack of elite athleticism.
If Williams is available in the 33-34 range, Philadelphia should pull the trigger with absolute zeal. There are concerns about Williams’ shooting, but he has shown growth in that respect. He’s already a smooth mid-range shooter. His value is rooted in his basketball I.Q.
He’s an incredibly smart passer, whether it’s working in the post or screening and rolling to the rim. His vision, coupled with a solid 6-foot-8 frame, makes him an enticing auxiliary piece at the four. He’s also a skilled post scorer who can punish mismatches inside. It’s easy to picture his fit in Brett Brown’s offense.
Williams would fit into the Sixers’ defensive scheme as well. He can switch, make on-point rotations and put himself in the right position on a possession-by-possession basis. Even without a high vertical, his strength and instincts make him a highly impactful defender.