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NBA Draft 2021: BJ Boston, Evan Mobley among top California prospects

By Brandon Simberg

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 04: Brandon Boston, Jr. #3 of Sierra Canyon Trailblazers looks on during the game against the Minnehaha Academy Red Hawks at Target Center on January 04, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 04: Brandon Boston, Jr. #3 of Sierra Canyon Trailblazers looks on during the game against the Minnehaha Academy Red Hawks at Target Center on January 04, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Dec 7, 2019; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Sierra Canyon School forward Ziaire Williams Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2019; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Sierra Canyon School forward Ziaire Williams Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Ziaire Williams – Stanford – 6’8 – 185 lbs – September 2001

Boston is one of the top incoming freshman shooters, but Williams is arguably right there with him. WIlliams, who is the highest-rated recruit in Stanford’s history, is money off the catch and can hit dribble pull-ups with ease. He averaged 15 points and just under eight rebounds for Sierra Canyon.

Williams’ shooting is a terrific starting point, but he needs to add to the rest of his offensive skill set. His ball-handling is nothing special right now. He attacks closeouts well but doesn’t beat guys off the dribble consistently. He makes the right decisions as a passer, but the lack of handle makes it hard to create for others.

Defensively, there is also a strong starting point to build on. He moves really well laterally, making him a candidate to be a switchy defender. But Williams’ frame is really weak right now, so guarding front-court players could be problematic. He is a good leaper off of two feet but his rebounding remains average.

Williams’ fit at Stanford should be a fun one. Playing next to Spencer Jones, the Cardinal will have two of the best shooters in the country. Can you imagine if Tyrell Terry stayed? But even without Terry, Williams should get plenty of open looks in Jerod Haase’s motion offense. Add in skilled center Oscar De Silva, and that frontcourt trio will be hard to stop. Stanford was on pace for the NCAA tournament last season and should be in the mix again this year.

Williams’ draft stock entering this season is high. He’s a consensus top 10 pick amongst experts, climbing as high as No. 5 on ESPN’s board. I, too, am optimistic about Williams but can definitely see a scenario where he falls out of the lottery if the entire offensive package is not there.

NBA Draft Projection: 2021 Lottery (back half)

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