Portland Trail Blazers: 2022 NBA Draft Big Board Lottery Picks

Portland Trail Blazers 2022 NBA Draft Big Board Prospect #13: Mark Williams

Mark Williams has been one of the greatest risers due to his performance in March Madness. He displayed the ability to dominate the paint on both ends of the court against the highest level of competition in college.

Williams is an absolute force anchoring a defense. He’s long, springy, and instinctual, having shown the ability to deter nearly every shot at the paint and stay out of foul trouble. His predatory wingspan allows him to swallow attackers, swat floaters and jumpers, and engulf chaotic rebounds.

On offense, his post repertoire is limited, but he has good touch on baby hooks and finesse finishes. For the most part, though, he has the bounciness to finish off dump-offs with strong, quick standing dunks. He also has the smarts and wide shoulders to seal defenders in the paint for easy looks.

He’s also flashed perimeter skills, but he’s still a long way from being a stretch-five or even a high-post initiator.

On defense, he has limited mobility and will be best off playing a drop coverage in the NBA. With his length and timing, though, he should be an effective shot-blocker from the jump.

Even if he doesn’t develop on either side of the court, Williams should carve out a long professional career as a standard rim-protecting, pick-and-roll big in the NBA.

At pick number 13, the Trail Blazers could do a lot worse than a true seven-footer with a 7’7 wingspan and incredible defensive effort.

NBA Comp: Cerebral Hassan Whiteside