Sibling rivalry heats up as Cody Williams rates NBA draft suit against brother Jalen's Gucci' sparkles: "I'm a close contender"
On Wednesday night, Cody Williams is hoping to be a lottery pick like his brother, Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams, two years ago. Before he took his seat for the NBA draft at Barclays Center, the versatile forward started a bit of a sibling rivalry.
Similar to stars with their gameday fits, prospects try to pull out all the stops on draft night. Cody is donning a tan suit with a white undershirt and silver chain.
During an interview, he was asked how it compares to his brother's draft night fit. Cody gave Jalen props for having a fit that stood out, but he feels his attire is on par with his brother's.
"I'm a close contender for sure," Cody said. "But his was really tough too."
Cody Williams' brother Jalen set the bar high since being drafted No. 12 overall in 2022. He's emerged as a versatile forward for the OKC Thunder alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Last season, he posted averages of 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
After just one season at Colorado, Cody decided to enter his name in the 2024 NBA draft. Similar to his brother, he is expected to be selected in the lottery.
Cody Williams expected to come off the board early in 2024 NBA draft
Cody Williams is a prospect who has seen his place in mock drafts constantly move during the pre-draft process. According to recent reports, the versatile forward could end up being selected early in the first round.
On Wednesday morning, NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman put together his final mock draft for the 2024 class. He has Williams being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7. However, he cited that league executives expect him to potentially be taken in the top five.
"Rival teams continue to predict that Cody Williams will be picked earlier than most expect, potentially by the Detroit Pistons at No. 5 or the San Antonio Spurs."
Williams is a 6-foot-8 forward with the potential to become a do-it-all type wing at the NBA level. In 24 games at Colorado, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Williams also knocked down 41.5% of his three, albeit on low volume.
Upon entering the pros, Williams is expected to slide into a three-and-D role wherever he ends up. With his frame and play style, Wasserman's player comp for Williams is Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels.
Williams is the ideal prototype of forward for the modern NBA. With that in mind, it is not surprising to see his name floated around as a riser on draft night.