New York Knicks: A way too early 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Once again, the best player on the board is a big man with a somewhat traditional offensive skill set. Robert Williams was a projected lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but instead opted to return to the collegiate ranks for the 2017-18 season.

Williams will now look to make good on his potential to be a Top 5 pick with yet another season that sends waves throughout the Association.

Williams is a 6’9″ and 237-pound power forward with a 7’4″ wingspan, elite athleticism, and the ability to play even bigger than he is. His motion is fluid and crisp, and rising up to either alter shots or finish above the rim comes naturally to him.

A tremendous rim runner with elite pick and roll potential, Williams is one of the most explosive big men one can find in college basketball.

Williams’ skill set is displayed by his 2016-17 averages of 18.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.7 offensive boards, 2.2 assists, 3.8 blocks, and 1.0 steal per 40 minutes. He’s a ferocious rebounder and a dominant shot-blocker who’s learning to play from the post and create for others.

Williams also has expanding range on his jump shot, and the development of said skill could mark the completion of his evolution into a star-caliber player.