The Brooklyn Nets are continuing to embrace a youth movement. Nearly two weeks after trading starting forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, Brooklyn added to their young core and acquired rising fourth-year forward Ziaire Williams from the Memphis Grizzlies. Williams possesses qualities and upside that could aid the Nets' reclimb to success. However, he still needs to make strides in one particular area before solidifying himself in Brooklyn's rotation.
Williams started his career with the Grizzlies when the team selected him 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Scouts deemed his top attributes as athleticism, defense, and shooting. The former Stanford Cardinal was a Pac-12 All-Freshmen Team honorable mention after averaging 10.7 points in his lone college season. He built a respectable foundation with Memphis during his rookie year, averaging 8.1 points on a 31.4 percent three-point shooting clip.
Unfortunately, Williams struggled with injuries during his second year. He played just 37 games during the 2022-23 season and saw his scoring average decrease to 5.7 points per game. Moreover, he shot just 25.8 percent from deep range. Despite the setback, Williams made some improvements the following year. He averaged a career-high 8.2 points and played 51 games in 2023-24. Yet, he still did not quite make the jump the Grizzlies were looking for, considering the potential he held as a former lottery pick.
Health must be Ziaire Williams' No. 1 priority during his Brooklyn Nets tenure
Williams' scoring and three-point shooting are due a raise. However, to get the reps and experience necessary to improve, he must do everything in his power to stay injury-free.
The 2023-24 Memphis Grizzlies squad was hit by an untimely injury bug that saw multiple starters and high-level contributors miss significant playing time, and Ziaire Williams was no exception. He played more games than he did the previous season, but extending his play will help his development and contributions to the Nets. Brooklyn reportedly parted ways with their medical director of six years as well as their head athletic trainer, sources told Nets Daily. Perhaps new leadership can help Williams stay on the floor more.
If Williams can play at least 65 games, the minimum required to be eligible for NBA awards, he will have a better chance to increase his career 30.1 three-point shooting accuracy and could see his scoring marks increase over 10 points a game.
It will not be easy for Williams to earn consistent playing time with Jalen Wilson's growing role in Brooklyn. Nevertheless, the former Grizzly can earn his place and contribute at a high level by keeping his body healthy and continuing to work on his game.