Cody Williams Bio
Cody Leron Williams (born November 20, 2004) is an American professional basketball player who serves as a small forward for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected with the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after playing one season for the Colorado Buffaloes. Williams entered the NBA as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 high school class. He is the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder player Jalen Williams.
Early Life and Background
Cody Leron Williams was born in San Luis Obispo, California, but his family relocated to Gilbert, Arizona, when he was young. He attended Perry High School in Gilbert, where he developed into one of the premier players in Arizona high school basketball. During his junior year at Perry High School, Williams earned Premier Region Player of the Year honors after averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game while leading the Pumas to the Class 6A state championship.
As a senior, Williams elevated his play to another level, averaging 18.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. His exceptional performance guided Perry High School to a remarkable 30-1 record and a second consecutive state championship. His standout high school career earned him selection to play in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game. Williams also represented Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit, showcasing his talents against other top international prospects.
Path to Basketball
Williams established himself as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top prospects in the 2023 class, drawing attention from major college programs across the country. On November 9, 2022, he made his college commitment, choosing to play for Colorado over offers from LSU, Arizona, UCLA, and USC. His commitment marked a significant milestone for the program, as he became the highest-ranked committed recruit in Colorado history and the first five-star prospect to join the Buffaloes.
Following his decorated high school career, Williams also earned a spot on the United States under-19 basketball team, which was coached by Colorado head coach Tad Boyle, to compete in the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup. This international experience helped prepare him for the rigors of collegiate competition at the Power Five level.
Cody Williams Career
College Career (2023–2024)
Williams arrived at the University of Colorado as one of the most anticipated recruits in program history. As a freshman during the 2023-2024 season, he made an immediate impact, averaging 11.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while helping the Buffaloes earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. His smooth transition to collegiate basketball and consistent production earned him recognition on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, validating his status as one of the top incoming prospects in the country.
After his successful freshman campaign, Williams declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, concluding his college career as a one-and-done prospect who had maximized his draft stock during his single season in Boulder.
Utah Jazz Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Williams took his game to the professional level when the Utah Jazz selected him with the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26, 2024. He signed his rookie contract with the Jazz shortly thereafter on July 2, 2024. Throughout his rookie season, Williams gained valuable NBA experience while also developing his game through several assignments to the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah’s G League affiliate. In his rookie season with the Jazz, Williams averaged 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while adapting to the speed and physicality of professional basketball.
Entering the 2025-26 season, Williams began to see an increase in minutes as he looked to establish a more consistent role within the Jazz rotation. In his expanded opportunity, Williams showed promising signs of improvement. He recorded his first-ever NBA start during the season, facing the Dallas Mavericks. In that game, Williams contributed 8 points, pulled down 4 rebounds, and recorded 2 steals across 22 minutes of action. On March 15, 2026, Williams set a new career benchmark, scoring a career-high 34 points while adding 7 rebounds in a hard-fought 111-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Playing Style and Strengths
Williams possesses the prototypical size for a small forward at 6 feet 8 inches with solid length and athleticism. His skill set includes the ability to score from multiple levels, handle the basketball, and contribute as a playmaker. His basketball IQ and versatility allow him to impact games on both ends of the floor. As he continues to develop, his combination of size, skill, and basketball instincts positions him as a player with significant upside for the Jazz organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
Williams achieved several notable milestones during his young professional career. Being selected tenth overall by Utah in the 2024 NBA Draft represented the culmination of his journey from high school standout to NBA player. His first career start against the Dallas Mavericks marked an important step in his development curve. His 34-point performance against the Sacramento Kings demonstrated his offensive capability and ability to carry a significant scoring burden when called upon.
Cody Williams Career Highlights
Williams has accumulated notable achievements across his basketball career, from his dominant high school career to his successful college season and early NBA experiences. His accomplishments span multiple levels of competition and reflect his consistent ability to perform at a high level.
College and High School Highlights
At Perry High School, Williams led the program to two consecutive Class 6A state championships and earned Premier Region Player of the Year honors as a junior. His senior season saw him average 18.4 points per game while guiding Perry to a 30-1 record. Williams capped his high school career by earning McDonald’s All-American honors in 2023 and participating in the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit. At Colorado, he was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team while averaging 11.9 points per game during the 2023-2024 season.
NBA Career
In his rookie season with the Jazz, Williams appeared in multiple games while also developing through G League assignments to Salt Lake City. He recorded his first NBA start during the 2025-26 season and set a career-high with 34 points against Sacramento.
Cody Williams Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Williams comes from a basketball family with strong athletic genes. His father is Ron Williams and his mother is Nicole Williams. He has two older siblings, Jasmine and Jalen. The family’s basketball legacy continued with his older brother, Jalen Williams, who currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.
Personal Life
The Williams brothers have both reached the NBA level, with Cody following in Jalen’s footsteps as professional basketball players. Jalen Williams, who was selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, has established himself as a promising player with the Thunder. The brothers’ success has made the Williams family a notable basketball family in the professional ranks.
2025-26 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marked a significant step forward for Williams as he transitioned from his rookie year into a larger role with the Jazz. With increased minutes came more responsibility and opportunities to showcase his expanding skill set. The coaching staff showed confidence in his development by inserting him into the starting lineup for key games.
His first career start against the Dallas Mavericks represented a milestone moment, with Williams delivering a solid all-around performance that included scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions. The highlight of his season came on March 15, 2026, when he erupted for 34 points against the Sacramento Kings, demonstrating his ability to take over a game offensively.
Despite the individual progress, Williams and the Jazz faced challenges throughout the season. The experience gained during this campaign, including the elevated role and increased minutes, positions Williams well for continued growth as he works toward becoming a more complete NBA player. The blend of youth, skill, and NBA bloodlines suggests a promising trajectory as he continues his professional career with Utah.