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2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) hangs on the rim after a dunk against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Reed Arena. Texas A&M won 81-62. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) hangs on the rim after a dunk against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Reed Arena. Texas A&M won 81-62. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Robert Williams was a projected lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but opted to return to college for his sophomore season. It was a surprising decision by a power forward who was rapidly rising up draft boards and looking the part of a future full-time starter.

Williams needs to add significant muscle mass to his frame, but if he does, he could emerge as a Top 5 overall selection in 2018.

Williams finished his freshman season with an average of 3.8 blocks per 40 minutes. Standing at 6’9″ with a 7’4″ wingspan, light feet, and explosive leaping ability, the Aggies star showed flashes of dominance on the defensive end of the floor.

The knock against Williams is that, in the present day, his game is based too much on athleticism and not enough on established skill.

According to Brent Zwerneman of The Houston Chronicle, that’s exactly why he’s returning to Texas A&M for his sophomore season.

"Although I’ve grown, I still feel like I would benefit from another year of college. This will give me more time to mature and develop my game before moving on to the NBA."

Self-awareness is as appealing a strength in a player as any skill.

If Williams can add muscle to his frame and develop an identity on the offensive end of the floor, he would be a lottery lock come 2018. He’s already an excellent rim runner and a capable passer, which provides immediate offensive value.

Whether Williams embraces the stretch 4 movement or opts to work on his post game, a genuine effort to develop could put him in the discussion for No. 1.