Marvin Williams Draft Capsule

VITALS: 6-9, 230, North Carolina

OVERVIEW: Williams, the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, averaged 11.6 points and 6.6 rebounds despite not starting a single game for the national champion Tar Heels this season. Williams was projecetd as a lottery pick out of high school after averaging 29 points, 15.5 rebounds, five blocks and five assists at Bremerton High School in Washington, but he chose to go to North Carolina for one season.

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Either the first or second overall pick. If Williams is not picked first overall by Milwaukee, Atlanta could entertain trade offers for the No. 2 pick, but that would affect Williams’ destination, not his draft position.

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Tracy McGrady, Richard Jefferson

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Joe Smith

ROLE PROJECTION: Future superstar.

POSITIVES: Williams is explosive going to the basket and already is able to pull up and shoot a smooth, balanced shot when his drives are cut off. He has shown the ability to shoot confidently out to the college 3-point line and is an excellent free-throw shooter. He not only is a high flyer but also can go up two or three times for a rebound without losing lift. He has a perfect NBA small forward’s frame.

SHORTCOMINGS: Williams doesn’t have much high-level basketball experience, having played as the sixth man on North Carolina’s championship team as a freshman. With most players who have this little experience, there is a grace period while they get accustomed to the pace, physicality and mental demands of the NBA game. Williams seems to be such a complete package, coaches, fans and teammates won’t have much patience with anything but a rapid transition to the NBA game.