Cody Williams starts, hits two three-pointers

The Timberwolves made this deal to free up cap space, likely to sign a veteran who’s a good locker-room presence. The tenth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Williams struggled to carve out a role for himself as a rookie but did show signs of improvement last season. Starting 41 of the 67 games he appeared in, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.3 minutes in 2025-26. Adding Williams gives the Timberwolves a little more depth on the wing, but it will be challenging for him to land a role that will make him fantasy-relevant.

Though he clearly isn’t a finished product, Williams has shown progress entering his third season. He looks like how a third-year NBA player should look in summer league. Williams was solid in this game and should be a rotation piece for Utah this season, though the amount of depth they have may make it difficult for him to carve out a large role.

Williams entered the offseason with two directives: get stronger and improve defensively. He’s reportedly added 10 pounds to his frame, and the Jazz forward had an excellent all-around performance on Monday. After committing six turnovers in Saturday’s summer opener, Williams committed two against the Grizzlies and shot over 50 percent from the field. With the Jazz focused on actually competing next season, Williams’ margin for error is likely to be slim if he’s to earn rotation minutes. As for the rest of this summer, Utah’s decision-makers likely hope that he’ll show early in Las Vegas that he’s too good to be playing.

Third-year players should dominate summer league if they play, and Williams was able to show plenty of growth, even if he wasn’t perfect. The turnovers were frustrating for an experienced player, but he was able to score effectively, which included some ferocious dunks. Williams is still fighting for a place in the Jazz rotation this season, but this was an encouraging start to the summer for him.

While Williams’s offensive output has been inconsistent recently, the Jazz are likely pleased with his overall production since March 1. Since that date, the second-year forward has averaged 15.5 points per game on 48.5 percent shooting from the field. Williams’ category league value has remained low, but the improved scoring is a positive development. And with the Jazz rotation projected to be considerably stronger in 2026-27, a good finish to this season is essential for Williams.

Williams’ strong end-of-season production continued in the Jazz’s lopsided loss. The second-year guard led Utah in minutes, totaling 38, and was very active in those opportunities. The near 30-point scoring performance on high efficiency stands out, but so does the work he did on the glass. Williams’ balanced production ultimately led him to a second double-double on the season. He should continue to perform well down the stretch.

While his performance did not come in a victory, Williams’ play against the Cavaliers was encouraging after a brutal Saturday night in Phoenix. Two nights removed from throwing up a bagel on 0-of-9 shooting, the second-year forward surpassed 20 points for the fourth time in his last six appearances. Williams’ category league value remains low, but he’s shown some signs of being able to add value in deeper points leagues. The Jazz play three more games in Week 23, starting with the Nuggets on Wednesday.

Two days after scoring 24 points in a loss to Washington, Williams matched that total in this game, though he was even more efficient in this one. Williams has had some strong performances in March, which should give managers some reason for optimism if they’re still stashing in dynasty leagues. However, the start of his career was rough, and it is unlikely this translates into next season, though he should remain productive for the rest of this year.

Monday’s loss to the Raptors was the first game that Williams has missed since January 28, and he looked refreshed against the Wizards. With the Jazz only going eight players deep, the second-year forward had the proverbial green light, and he attempted a team-high 20 shots. Williams was responsible for four turnovers, but the 55 percent shooting from the field and overall line compensates for that.

Williams is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Raptors. With Kyle Filipowski unavailable, the Jazz will open Wednesday’s game without a true center. Joining Williams in the lineup are Bez Mbeng, EJ Harkless, Ace Bailey and John Konchar.