Alondes Williams: 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report

A fan favorite of many college basketball junkies, Williams provides intrigue with his combination of size, exquisite passing and finishing at the hoop

Big guards with playmaking feel and a flair for the highlight plays are always going to be fan favorites. There’s no denying that Alondes Williams fits that mold and is one of the most exciting prospects to watch in this draft class. From no-look passes to one-handed slams, he brings more than just fun to the table, but impact. Williams was the main cog in a Wake Forest offense that propelled their group to the edge of the NCAA Tournament.

The question for draft decision-makers is whether Williams can make a similar impact on an NBA floor. Fun, feel and highlight-reel plays don’t always translate into NBA success. That’s particularly prudent with Alondes, a bigger combo guard who struggles to shoot it (28% from 3 this year at Wake Forest).

Part of figuring out Williams as a prospect is nailing the impact he can have off-ball. If the shooting falls, the connective tissue label that is so trendy to attach to high-feel, low-volume guys is incredibly appropriate. Williams already is good at attacking closeouts, making decisions with the ball in his hands and scoring inside of 18 feet. The missing link in his game is, however, one that is vital for him if he doesn’t become a top option, ball in his hands kind of guy.

The role Williams played at Wake Forest was one he was incredibly well-suited for. Williams operated out of the spread pick-and-roll, made great decisions and got to kick the ball out to 3-point shooters. He got the ball in transition and flew, saw teammates leak out as a result and helped the Demon Deacons get easy, up-tempo points.

Slow things down into the half-court and Williams is a competent finisher of the highest order. He’s strong, uses his frame well, adjusts his finishes in mid-air, draws contact, has touch and plays at different speeds. The dominance with which he finished on the interior — making 66.3% of his rim attempts — is a clear sign that he can survive against NBA bodies. There’s even a little above-the-rim athleticism when he has a runway.

Everything does and will come down to the shooting, though. Alondes didn’t make too many triples at Oklahoma prior to transferring to Wake Forest; he was 21-84 (25%) with the Sooners in a similarly-spread Lon Kruger offense. Williams played a smaller role at Oklahoma than at Wake, ultimately one that may more closely resemble what he’s asked to do in the NBA. At 23 years old, there’s worry about how long it’s taken him just to get comfortable taking those triples.

This is the year Williams got comfortable taking 3-pointers, even if he didn’t make them. He attempted 142, or 6.7 per 100 possessions — a solid amount. While he only shot 28% from deep and was poor from both a catch-and-shoot or pull-up standpoint, Alondes was comfortable with a hefty volume. Just his willingness to take that many has us thinking: is he a guy that has more shooting potential than we give him credit for?