The jury is still out on how Utah Jazz Lottery pick Cody Williams will fare well in his first season as a pro, but one thing is for sure: this blue-chip prospect isn’t lacking in confidence. The 10th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was asked about facing future Hall of Famers during his rookie campaign, and he certainly didn’t shy away from facing one of the greatest to ever do so, LeBron James.
“I’m in the NBA for a reason” Williams told Fox News Digital. “He [LeBron James] must always protect me too.
Later in the interview, Williams reiterated his statement and his logic despite the uncertainty of what awaits the young rookie. In any case, one can only admire the confidence of a player who is just starting to get his feet wet.
“But I’m also in the NBA. I was drafted 10th overall for a reason,” Williams said. “I’m not going to be dazzled by his star at all. I’m obviously going to respect him, but I’m going to go to him and let him know I’m supposed to be there, too.”
Williams showed signs of success in this year’s Summer League, but he may be overwhelmed as James’ guard at this point in his career. It remains to be seen whether Williams will start with the Jazz or the Salt Lake City Stars.
That said, Jazz fans should be pleased to have found a player of Williams’ caliber at the No. 10 spot. Utah’s kryptonite has been a lack of length at the wing position. Selecting Taylor Hendricks and Williams in back-to-back years certainly solves that problem. Both players have 7-foot wingspans, which bodes well for a team that will be looking to improve after ranking 30th in the league in defensive rating.
Williams can also play multiple positions on the court. He has the size and length of a power forward, but also the skills to be a shooting guard. Collin Sexton is currently expected to start at both positions, but his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, and it remains unclear if he has a future in Salt Lake City.
According to the bookmakers, Williams is unlikely to break out in his rookie year. Currently, DraftKings has Williams as a 25-to-1 favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Eleven rookies have better odds, though Williams is the 10th overall pick.
Time will tell what happens, but at least Williams is in a good position. The Jazz should prioritize player development over winning, which bodes well for a player with just one year of college experience.
Jazz fans will soon have answers as the preseason approaches. Utah’s first game is scheduled for October 7 against the The Houston Rockets.
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