On Wednesday afternoon, Jordan Williams wrote via Twitter, “Thank you for all the support . . . it really means a lot!! It’s been a dream to play in the NBA and now I finally have the opportunity!!” Williams signed with Andy Miller of ASM Sports whose client list includes Kevin Garnett and Chauncey Billups.
“We wish Jordan well as he pursues his dream of playing in the NBA,” Coach Gary Williams said in a statement released by the school.
After hearing the news, i have a mixed reaction. The one area Williams needs to develop is in athleticism to compete in the NBA. However, I am not sure how much more athleticism he will develop with another year at Maryland. On the other hand, this is one of the weakest drafts since 2000 when Kenyon Martin was taken number 1 overall. Due to it being a weaker draft, Williams has a chance to go as a late first round pick when he is really in standard years closer to a second rounder. The difference between a first and second round pick is the fact that the first rounder has a guaranteed contract for two years and a team option for each of the next two years, whereas the second rounder does not have a guaranteed contract. Another thing to weigh is the fact that a lockout in the NBA is looming and could impede development for rookies in the league next year.
So there we have it. The draft is June 23 at 7 PM, but did Jordan Williams make the right choice to enter the draft this year?
