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Pacers Draft Prep: Could Nigel Williams-Goss be a second-round option?

By Luke Parrish

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) plays against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) plays against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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A week away from the NBA draft, the Pacers are still holding workouts. On Wednesday, Nigel Williams-Goss was in for a workout.

The Pacers may be looking for experience at the end of the draft. If that is the case, look no further than Nigel Williams-Goss. Williams-Goss spent one season at Gonzaga after transferring from Washington and declared after his redshirt junior season. His experience with a top-tier program should bode well for him.

At Gonzaga, Williams-Goss ran the point and led the Bulldogs to a National Championship appearance in 2016-17. Although they lost to North Carolina, Gonzaga had a very good season behind their leader. He exhibited his ability to take over games against the highest competition. His overall understanding of the game should attract NBA teams.

Strengths

Spending four seasons in college, including one under Mark Few only elevates Williams-Goss’ game. He played for a great coach and took his team to the NCAA championship game. Experience in big games goes a long way.

He has a knack for scoring. In 2016-17, Williams-Goss averaged 16.8 points on 48.6 percent shooting. He also hit over 36 percent of his 3-point shots and 86.7 percent of his free throws. Scoring is the easiest way to make a team in the NBA, and Williams-Goss sure does a fine job of that.

As a point guard, Nigel Williams-Goss has great size. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, NWG embodies a modern NBA guard. The size provides potential on both ends of the floor and could cause matchup problems.

Weaknesses

With experience comes age. NBA teams are not overly thrilled with 22-year old prospects. While he gained experience, the extra years in school hurt his stock. I personally don’t think it is that big of a deal, but the age definitely kicks him out of the first round.

His size gives potential, but his defensive talent is still raw. He didn’t accumulate many steals or blocks in college. Fine-tuning and coaching will help, but he’s not ready on that end of the floor.

Next: Would PG tip the scales for the Cavs?

NBA comparison: Jordan Clarkson

Mock drafts keep pushing NWG back into the end of the second round. In all likelihood, he will be there when the Pacers pick at No. 47. If they are looking for a leader off the bench, he is the guy to take.

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