Fair enough, but you are suggesting he is a top 10 pick which seems unreasonable with the likes of Ja Morant & Darius Garland both light years ahead of him offensively. Sure he could be a gem that becomes a high level starter, but nobody picks starter ceiling prospects in the top 10 with higher ceiling players at the same position still available. No, he is a key part of Duke's success, but his teammates are a key part of his success as well. I mean look at Ja Morant's assist numbers with teammates that have no chance of making a g-league team let alone the NBA.
All fair points, but Morant and Garland are ahead of him in pretty much every category except on ball defense against other small guards, so that alone pushes him down in draft positioning.
The debate was about where he could go in the draft not what his skill level is in college or how it may or may not translate against better players. I like him as a prospect in the post lottery and no higher even with a small number of lead guards in this draft.
I have Jerome and the combo guard White ahead of him as guard prospects that can translate their skill transparently and with little drop in production.
I think his comp ceiling is Jevon Carter provided Jones improves his shooting efficiency and gets stronger
Jones has shown a lot more than those guys as a floor general as well...he was significantly better than Garland (let alone Morant) in that area coming out of high school, and he's only helped his reputation in that area at Duke. You can say that life's easy when you're surrounded by so much talent, but all of Duke's other freshmen have struggled with bouts of turnovers while Jones has proven pretty unflappable. That kind of poise is fairly common in seniors like Carter, much less common in freshmen like Jones.
So, when I see Grant Williams highlights he looks like an old school back to the basket guy. Is he a premier defender or something? He isn't big doesn't seem to have a slick handle or anything, but seems very strong. Is he a backup 4 or can he be more than that? I am just wondering what others are seeing here? Looks to me like he is just man strength out there and has a good touch around the basket? Why would we want a post up 4?
His strongest single skill may be his post-up ability, but his all-around game and leadership really make him a top prospect. He may be the most versatile defender in the draft after Zion, and his improving passing/shooting/ballhandling skills give him room to grow on offense. The strength and quick first step he uses in the post will continue to be valuable if he develops more of a perimeter oriented dribble drive game.