UTAH JAZZ

Jalen Williams Enjoyed Draft Process With Brother Cody

Oct 3, 2024, 4:19 PM | Updated: 4:19 pm

SALT LAKE CITY – If it weren’t for his little brother, Oklahoma City Thunder wing Jalen Williams might not remember much about the NBA Draft process.

Despite being selected 12th overall in 2022, the elder Williams can’t tell you what happened during the lead-up to his draft, or the night itself.

“The draft is such a blur,” Jalen said, “and there’s so many things going on that week that — I really don’t remember mine.”

Related: Can Cody Williams Be Better Than His Brother?

That’s why the 23-year-old made sure to savor the moments he had with his brother, Utah Jazz rookie Cody Williams during his big night.

“It was really cool, honestly I was just watching more than anything, taking that all in,” the rising NBA star admitted.

The brothers were glued to each other throughout the late June weekend, sightseeing in New York, recreating a handshake from Jalen’s draft night, and traveling to Utah for his first press conference.

Even after the draft, the two hung out together in Las Vegas where Cody played in the Summer League and his brother watched from the sidelines.

“I kind of got to live out some of the stuff that I may not have remembered,” Jalen said.

What Advice Did Jalen Williams Offer Cody?

Jalen says he didn’t offer his younger brother much advice about his NBA journey, but Cody shared a few tidbits about what he’d learned over the last two years.

“Being ready for the physicality,” Cody said, “learning what you’re good at.”

Jalen had a leg up on the physicality when he entered the NBA. The Santa Clara product was 21 years old and weighed 210 pounds.

Related: Cody Williams Hopes Added Weight Helps Defensively 

Cody won’t turn 20 until November and weighed just 178 pounds and the draft combine.

Jalen also had more experience under his belt, playing three years of college basketball before entering the NBA compared to Jalen’s single season at Colorado.

While Cody has yet to play his first professional game, he’s got an idea of where his 6-foot-6 frame and 7-foot-1 wingspan can help the Jazz.

“Being a presence on defense,” the younger Williams said, “because I have all the skills to be.”

Though the two brothers won’t see each other again until December 3 when the Jazz open a marathon seven-game road trip in Oklahoma City, Jalen is grateful for the time he spent with Cody over the summer.

“I just wanted to be there,” the Thunder forward said, “watch him experience it.”

Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.

  • Utah Jazz Scoreboard

  • Utah Jazz Team Leaders

  • Utah Jazz Standings

Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs...

Brian Preece

Utah Jazz Forward Taylor Hendricks Undergoes Successful Surgery

Second-year Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks underwent successful surgery to repair a broken leg Hendricks suffered on October 28.

11 hours ago

Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs drives past Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz...

Ben Anderson

Utah Jazz Mailbag: How Many Losses Is Too Many?

Welcome to the KSL Sports mailbag where this week we ask if it's possible for the Utah Jazz to lose too many games this season.

1 day ago

Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz dribbles against the Chicago Bulls...

Ben Anderson

Jazz Offense Gets Hot, Beat Bulls For First Win Of Season

The Utah Jazz earned their first win of the season downing the Chicago Bulls on the road behind a big performance from Keyonte George.

2 days ago

Utah Jazz Chicago Bulls Collin Sexton...

Ben Anderson and Chandler Holt

Utah Jazz End Six-Game Losing Streak, Defeat Bulls In Chicago

The Utah Jazz ended their six-game losing streak and picked up their first win of the season over the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

2 days ago

Utah Jazz Keyonte George John Collins dunks...

Chandler Holt

Keyonte George, John Collins Throw Down Highlight Dunks In Third Quarter

In the third quarter against the Bulls, both Keyonte George and John Collins did some damage to the rim with strong dunks.

2 days ago

Utah Jazz John Collins Chicago Bulls poster...

Chandler Holt

Jazz Forward John Collins Charges To Rim, Posterizes Bulls Defender

Early in the second quarter, Jazz forward John Collins did what he does best as he rose up to throw down a mean dunk on Coby White.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week – Week 12

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Salt Lake County, honoring their exceptional performances on the gridiron.

game night live...

How To Watch Game Night Live: Park City Miners @ Spanish Fork Dons

Round three of the UHSAA football playoffs is on tap with spectacular playoff matchups around the Beehive State. Winners move on to the semifinals next weekend, and the 2024 high school football season inches toward its end.

Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week...

Utah County High School Player of the Week – Week 12

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep football players in Utah County. It honors athletes for their performances on the gridiron.

Farmington High School...

American Fork Outlasts Farmington In Defensive Battle

Twelfth-seeded American Fork put together a stout defensive performance, shutting down the Farmington Phoenix in a 21-17 win.

...

Northern Utah High School Player of the Week – Week 11

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in all of Northern Utah, honoring their exceptional performances on the gridiron.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week – Week 11

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Salt Lake County, honoring their exceptional performances on the gridiron.

Jalen Williams Enjoyed Draft Process With Brother Cody