Raptors draft: 3 Duke Blue Devils to consider taking in first round
By Mike Luciano
2. C Mark Williams
We’re big fans of Williams here, as he’s been able to establish himself as one of the ACC’s best defensive players despite not being given a ton of consistent minutes. Rim protection is a critical area of weakness for this team, and Williams will provide an upgrade there if nothing else.
Williams can be comfortably penciled in for 10 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks per night despite only playing 21 minutes per game. With a cartoon-like reach that helps him impact shot attempts and enough athletic ability to move well in the paint, Williams would be a breath of fresh air on this team.
The Toronto Raptors need a shot-blocker like Mark Williams.
Williams’ offensive game could use some work. While he hasn’t been forced to do much thanks to all of the pro talent around him, he has been limited to dunking the ball and finishing close inside. Will Nurse try to develop him as a pick-and-pop threat?
Williams could be a bit of a funky fit alongside Precious Achiuwa given how they have overlapping skillsets, but putting them in the rotation together is a risk that Toronto might be willing to take if it helps them become a better defensive team. Williams is raw, but the potential is clear as day.