Sixers draft: 5 small forwards to watch in 2021 NBA Draft

5 small forwards to watch in Sixers’ NBA Draft: Ziaire Williams

This article has developed a certain theme. Before the season, Ziaire Williams — another five-star recruit — was a projected top-10 pick. He struggled in his one season at Stanford, though, and is now facing the possibility of a selection much later in the first round. If he falls to Philadelphia at 28, it’s hard to imagine too many better options.

Again, the Sixers cannot get caught up in the idea of immediate contributors. The NBA Draft is always a crapshoot. Half the “sure-fire contributors” never pan out, while more often than not, at least one “long-term project” has a big rookie season. Take, for example, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels. He was a projected top-10 pick who tumbled down draft boards after a lousy freshman year. He ended up as the 28th pick, with most pre-draft evaluations expressing uncertainty over his ability to hold up in the NBA. He was a key piece of the Wolves’ rotation as a rookie.

Williams falls into a similar vein. He’s extremely thin (6-foot-9, 188 pounds), and was far more inefficient than scouts would have liked in his one year at Stanford. The offensive tools still pop, and if he can boost his efficiency, there is undeniable appeal in a 6-foot-9 wing who can create his own offense. On defense, Williams will probably get pushed around early on, but he’s long, mobile, and active. There’s a lot to like if he can add a few pounds of muscle in the weight room.

Again, the Sixers would benefit from size on the wing, and would also benefit from a genuine shot-maker on the perimeter. Williams has the basketball I.Q. to find his way, and the mechanics of his shot look good. He has real high-level starter upside. If he falls to Philadelphia — not likely, but certainly not impossible — then he is probably the best prospect available.

PROJECTED DRAFT RANGE: 15-30

BIG BOARD RANKING: 21