Once hailed as a basketball prodigy, Cody Williams is now at a crossroads in his NBA career. From high school hero to struggling pro, his journey is a stark reminder that talent alone isn’t enough to conquer the league. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Williams is taking a bold step backward—returning to the fundamentals of the game—in hopes of leaping forward.
In high school, Williams was untouchable. Ranked as the No. 2 player in his draft class, he led Perry High School in Arizona to a 30-1 record and a state championship. A McDonald’s All-American and Team USA selection for the Nike Hoop Summit, he was Colorado’s highest-rated recruit ever. The NBA seemed like a foregone conclusion. Yet, reality hasn’t matched the hype.
After a lackluster season with the Buffaloes, Williams slipped to the No. 10 pick. His time in Utah has been even more challenging, with a league-low 3.7 PER and a second season that started with a dismal 13% three-point shooting percentage. And this is the part most people miss: even the most promising careers can falter without a solid foundation. So, what’s Williams doing about it? He’s going back to the basics—literally.
Under the guidance of Jazz assistant coach Chad Forcier, Williams has been revisiting ‘high school’ drills, focusing on the minutiae of his game. One drill, performed just inside the three-point line, involves gripping the ball against his right leg and rolling it up in his hand, ensuring his elbow stays tight to his body. It’s a simple exercise, but Forcier emphasizes its importance: ‘Grip is a huge part of anyone’s shot. Whether you’re a quarterback, pitcher, or golfer, the fundamentals matter.’
Williams admits this drill helps correct his tendency to shoot like LeBron James, with his elbow flaring out. ‘Sometimes you need to reset,’ he says. ‘Go back to the basics and get your fundamentals right.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: is reverting to high school drills a sign of regression or a smart strategy for reinvention? Some might see it as a step backward, but Williams and the Jazz view it as a necessary recalibration.
This shift has also led the Jazz to reimagine Williams’ role. Once envisioned as a two-way superstar, he’s now studying the careers of former role players like Corey Brewer, a No. 7 overall pick who carved out a 13-year NBA career by mastering the art of cutting, running the floor, and defending. Is this a downgrade, or a pragmatic approach to survival in the league? Williams is learning to embrace a game that doesn’t rely on being a high-volume or high-percentage three-point shooter.
The results are starting to show. Williams has been driving to the rim more, capitalizing on open opportunities, and recently delivered an 18-point performance against the Clippers, complete with two emphatic dunks against the Warriors. Defensively, coaches praise his positioning and basketball IQ, urging him to leverage his length and quickness more effectively.
Not everyone would take the comparison to Brewer or the return to ‘high school’ drills as a compliment. As head coach Will Hardy quips, ‘Some players would say, ‘Why would you show me him?’ But Cody gets it. He’s a bright kid trying to find his path to success.’
Williams remains a work in progress, but his high school pedigree, his brother Jalen’s success, and his thoughtful approach to the game suggest he’ll get more chances. ‘He has the physical tools to be a really good player,’ says teammate Kevin Love. Now, it’s up to Williams to make it happen.
But here’s the question that lingers: Can a player who once seemed destined for stardom find his way by embracing the basics? And more importantly, does the NBA reward such humility? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Cody Williams on the right track, or is this a detour in his career?
