Williams, Sensabaugh have different paths to same goal
Apr 16, 2026, 5:16 PM | Updated: 11:14 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Former Utah Jazz first-round picks Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams enter the offseason with the same objective.
They want to earn a spot in next season’s rotation.
Both players received extended opportunities over the past two years as the Jazz evaluated their young core. Now, with the franchise shifting toward playoff contention, each must prove he belongs on a more competitive NBA roster.
Related: Hardy, Ainge want Jazz to improve defensively next season
Brice Sensabaugh must find defensive balance
Sensabaugh entered the league as a polished isolation scorer capable of handling a significant offensive workload, even with limited experience.
This season, the 22-year-old showed noticeable growth on that end of the floor.
“My understanding of NBA offense — how defenses react, what you can and can’t get during a game — has taken a big jump,” Sensabaugh said.
That progress became especially evident after the All-Star break.
Brice Sensabaugh tonight? Unbelievable 😱
43 PTS (career-high)
5-10 3PM
15-22 FGM pic.twitter.com/q46WakdjSC— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2026
Over the final 22 games of the season, Sensabaugh averaged 20.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range.
Despite those gains, the Ohio State product acknowledged he must improve defensively.
“My defense has been up and down, but I had a really good stretch in the middle of the season,” Sensabaugh admitted.
For the Florida native, the challenge will be maintaining offensive efficiency while increasing defensive consistency, even if his role shifts on a deeper roster.
“Long-term, I see myself as a three-and-D guy, and I think I’ll have a great opportunity to grow into that next year,” Sensabaugh said.
Cody Williams must grow into his role
Like Sensabaugh, Williams faces stiff competition for minutes in the Jazz rotation.
Unlike Sensabaugh, defense has not been the primary concern for the former lottery pick.
Williams regularly defended opposing teams’ top perimeter players, but he must continue adding strength to become a complete stopper.
The Colorado product has added more than 20 pounds to his lanky frame since leaving college, though he remains at just 200 pounds.
“I was just getting stronger toward the end of the season, [I’m] trying to really lock in and have a plan of attack this summer,” Williams said. “Getting stronger is definitely going to be a big part of it.”
With the Nuggets putting Jokic on Cody Williams, the Jazz countered by having Williams as the screener in PnR
Cody had 24 PTS on 9/14 shooting (all inside the arc) pic.twitter.com/5hhIHUw00a
— Eric Spyropoulos (@EricSpyroNBA) March 28, 2026
Offensively, Williams settled into a role that featured off-ball cuts, reliable mid-range shooting, and spot opportunites for playmaking.
The Arizona native averaged 16.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds over his final 20 games.
Now, Williams aims to expand his versatility.
“I want to keep my ball-handling tight, play multiple positions, and talk with the coaches and staff to figure out exactly what they need from me next year,” Williams said.
With playing time widely available over the past several seasons, both Sensabaugh and Williams showed signs of progress. Next season figures to be different. As rotation minutes become harder to find, development must give way to production, making this offseason a critical proving ground for both players.
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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, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
