Former Colorado Buffaloes lottery pick looking for a resurgence with new team
Former Colorado Buffaloes men's basketball forward Cody Williams was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Minnesota Timberwolves on August 29.
Just two years ago, Williams was selected 10th overall by Utah, becoming the highest-drafted freshman in program history. Prior to the NBA at just 20 years old, Williams spent one year in Boulder where he started 18 games under head coach Tad Boyle. He shot over 55% from the field and 40% from three, numbers that intrigued NBA scouts along with his frame and unique three-level scoring ability.
Still, most people would say Williams did not live up to the lottery pick price that the Jazz used on him. Across two seasons, Williams started 62 games, averaging 7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 42% from the field.
This offseason, Utah found itself with plenty of young wing players, including top-five picks in the past two NBA drafts. That left Williams as the odd man out on the roster. With the Jazz heading in another direction, the former Buff now has sights set on Minneapolis, where there is renewed hope for team impact.
Williams now walks into a new environment that experienced a transformational offseason, including a system known for jumpstarting players' careers. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, for example, was traded to Minnesota as a flyer add-on and departed last summer with a $62 million contract.
Across the depth chart, Williams will be battling with a few other young forwards. Trey Kaufman-Renn and Joan Beringer were both drafted by Minnesota in the past two years and will also be looking to break into the lineup.
Cody Williams' career hasn't panned out perfectly as the lottery pick may suggest, but a new team, city and system could be the perfect time for Buff fans to tune back into what is still a very young career.
Comments