The Brooklyn Nets are a known breeding ground for players with high potential to actualize their abilities. Former starting point guard D'Angelo Russell is perhaps the biggest example, making his first and lone All-Star appearance with Brooklyn in 2019. However, former Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams might be one of the Nets' next stories.
Brooklyn traded for Williams in July of 2024, sending Mamadi Diakite and draft rights to Nemanja Dangubic to the Grizzlies in exchange for the former Stanford standout and a second-round pick. Williams did not make the jump Memphis expected, especially since he was the team's 10th overall 2021 draft pick.
He comes off a season with averages of 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.7 steals on a 30.7 percent three-point shooting clip. Nevertheless, Williams is rebuilding his value with the Nets, and he showed promise in the team's first 2024-25 preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 9.
1. Williams proved he can score, but his outside shot remains questionable
Ziaire Williams finished Wednesday's Clippers game with a promising 10 points off the bench in 22 minutes of action. He shot 55 percent (5-for-9) from the field and was all over the place for the Nets. Most of Williams' points came from two-pointers, which is fine. However, Williams' 0-for-2 three-point shooting outing is a cause for concern.
Since entering the league, Williams has not found the best rhythm from beyond the arc. During his rookie season with the Grizzlies, he shot 31.4 percent. Then, he hit a career-low 25.8 mark during the 2022-23 season before bouncing back to 30.7 in 2023-24. Injuries could be one reason Williams has been unable to gain a groove from range. He played just 37 games in 2022-23 and comes off a 51-game campaign going into 2024-25.
But knowing Williams' work ethic, he will keep shooting, and things will fall in line eventually.
2. Williams could be a defensive hound
Williams showed out on the defensive end in his preseason debut. He amassed an impressive three steals and one block during his 22-minute stint. His 6'9" wingspan poses problems for opposing offensive players, and the Nets will need plenty more of his services during the regular season. The crucial question is, will he be able to maintain his intensity?
Ziaire Williams has the potential to be one of Brooklyn's most versatile players during the 2024-25 season. His two assists and two rebounds in addition to his scoring and defensive showings against the Clippers show that. For him to keep a sizable role for the Nets, he must stay consistent and keep showing growth.