NBA Comparison: Grant Williams

Strengths: Highly productive and efficient forward who averaged 23.3 points per game as a graduate senior at Villanova … Developed into one of the better frontcourt scorers in the country, combining strength, touch, and improved perimeter shooting … Shot 45.1% from the field and an impressive 40.7% from three on high volume (103-for-253), showcasing the ability to space the floor and knock down shots with confidence … Good shooting form and release for a player with a power forward’s build … Also converts at a strong clip from the line (81.3%), reinforcing the legitimacy of his shooting touch … Uses his thick frame and lower body strength to play bully ball and finish through contact in the paint … Draws fouls at a high rate and takes advantage at the stripe … Effective face-up scorer who can knock down mid-range shots or take slower defenders off the dribble … Smart, physical player who understands how to create space and leverage mismatches … Competes hard and plays with a strong motor on the offensive end … Posted 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while handling a high usage role … Knocked down 3-of-6 from three on Day 2 of the NBA Combine scrimmage, showing his jumper translates in competitive settings …

Weaknesses: Older prospect who turned 24 in January 2025 (born Jan. 26, 2001), which significantly limits his perceived upside … Spent five years at Villanova and projects more as a plug-and-play role player than a long-term development piece … Lacks ideal burst, speed, or vertical explosiveness for an NBA forward … Thick build and heavy legs contribute to a slow first step and limited mobility … Struggles to impact the game defensively … Lack of lateral foot speed limits his ability to defend in space and contain in isolation … Projects more as a floor-spacing four than a switchable combo forward … Only 0.3 blocks and 0.8 steals per game despite playing 34.7 minutes a night suggest minimal defensive playmaking or agility … 8’8 standing reach is small for a power forward, which limits his ability to contest vertically or finish over length … 32.5″ max vertical is also unimpressive for his position and further highlights his lack of athletic explosiveness … Defensively, struggles to recover on rotations and is vulnerable when pulled away from the paint … Rebounding dipped from 6.5 RPG as a junior to 5.1 RPG in his final season, raising questions about his presence on the glass against longer, more athletic bigs … Turnover rate (2.1 TO) was slightly high for a player not being asked to facilitate much … Despite strong offensive numbers, questions remain about how well his game translates against NBA athletes who can neutralize his physicality …

Outlook: Dixon is a strong, skilled scorer who was among the most efficient and productive offensive players in college basketball in 2024–25 … His combination of inside scoring and legitimate floor spacing gives him a clear path to a role in the NBA as a stretch four … While his age and athletic limitations cap his ceiling, he has the tools and toughness to contribute early in a simplified role … Will need to prove he can survive defensively against quicker forwards and continue hitting shots consistently to stick … Not a flashy prospect, but his basketball IQ, frame, and offensive versatility give him a shot to carve out a rotation role on a team that values physicality and shooting in its frontcourt …

Notes:  Eric Dixon measured 6′ 7.50” barefoot, 258.6 lbs, 6′ 11.50” wingspan, 8′ 8.00” standing reach with a 28.0 no step vertical and 32.5 maximum vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine … Measured 6′ 8.00” barefoot, 8′ 8.00” standing reach, 269 lbs, 6′ 11.50” wingspan, 28 vertical at the 2024 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament …Averaged 23.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 2.1 TO in 35 games at Villanova in 2024–25 … Shot 45.1% FG, 40.7% 3PT (103-for-253), 81.3% FT … Posted a 28.0″ no-step and 32.5″ max vertical … Knocked down 3-of-6 from three in Combine Day 2 scrimmage … Played five seasons at Villanova … Born January 26, 2001 …

Aran Smith 5/24/25