“New year, new me!” Utah Jazz rookie Cody Williams exclaimed after his January 1st eruption. Williams, the 10th selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, has struggled to plant himself on solid ground thus far into his first year as a pro.

Shooting a horrific 23% from distance and 31% from the field in limited minutes, the former McDonald’s All-American and brother of OKC standout Jalen Williams has left plenty of meat on the bone in his first taste of NBA action. Ironic, considering Cody’s physique.

But something may have flipped on New Year’s Day. It would be too cliche to suggest that the rookie is improving thanks to a freshly enacted resolution, so I’m not going to say it. Yet, a career-high 35-point outburst with the Salt Lake City Stars is plenty to get anxious observers to breach the surface and take in the winds of change.

Shooting 13 for 21 from on field goals, including 5 for 8 from long range, this is the type of output that Utah has craved since assigning Williams on this development-first avenue.

With pull-ups, open 3s, and even dives to the rim, Utah’s first-round pick is a capable 3-level scorer when he chooses to be. Standing in the corner all day is not conducive to developmental advances for a player like Williams, so seeing the athletic wing get involved both on and off-ball is a promising sign.

Could this be a one-off? Sure, especially as Cody fights for more consistency, we may not see another 30+ point finish again this season. Even in the G-League, he’s been timid, overpowered, and overshadowed by just about everyone on the floor. But when he shows what he can do, it’s hard to deny the potential if he can even out.

Every piece of good news regarding player development is good news for the rebuilding Jazz. Let’s hope Cody keeps it cooking.