Wizards Draft Prospect Profile: Mark Williams is Talented, but Would he Fit?

Wizards Draft Prospect Profile: Mark Williams Weaknesses

• Shooting
• Lateral Agility
• Creating for Himself and Others

After discussing Mark Williams ability to finish near the rim, it’s only right we transition into a weakness in his game that comes right when he gets a little too far from the rim. Right now, he has no proven ability to finish anywhere outside of the restricted area.

This isn’t about being a floor-spacing big, not all bigs have to be shooters. Instead, it’s about an inability to even knock something down from the short mid-range area. That touch is a huge asset when opponents know you want to get to the rim and finish close.

Another area that is a significant weakness for the Duke big man as he enters the league is his lack of lateral agility. A player his size isn’t going to be the most agile on the court but centers that can allow their teams to switch during a defensive possession give their team a lot more options and versatility on that end of the court.

Williams can’t be asked to switch out onto a perimeter player, which makes the team defense limited by default. In today’s NBA, just being a capable perimeter defender is a huge asset. Unfortunately, Williams is a complete liability in this regard.

He will need to be used in specific lineups and surrounded by specific players early in his career. More problematic, there’s a way to play him off the court for opponents if they have the right personnel.

Last but least important, Williams currently lacks the handle or feel to help himself find looks with the ball in his hands. He won’t be a post threat and isn’t worth guarding if he catches the ball more than a few feet away from the rim.

While he has immense upside and is going to be impactful on defense and the glass, he also comes with offensive limitations. Those things can improve but early in his NBA career they will be hurdles to get on the court.