The Brooklyn Nets got a first taste of their 2024-25 contributors during the team's NBA preseason debut against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 9. Several familiar faces and newcomers suited up for the matchup. Despite taking part in the action himself, veteran point guard Dennis Schroder was impressed by the efforts of his teammates.
The Nets received double-digit scoring outings from seven players during the Clippers game, including Schroder. However, few caught Schroder's eye defensively like former Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams.
“I like Ziaire Williams a lot," Dennis Schroder told Erik Slater of ClutchPoints when asked if any young Nets players stood out to him in the preseason debut. "He impacted the game on defense. There’s not a lot of people who can impact the game without scoring in this league… I’m looking forward to him doing it all season.”
Ziaire Williams' resembled a Swiss Army Knife with his impressive performance. He scored 10 points on 55 percent shooting from the field, totaled three steals, and had one block in 22 minutes. As Schroder mentioned, Williams was arguably the Nets' most impactful player on defense during the game. If the former 2021 lottery pick maintains his intensity, he will be huge for Brooklyn during the 2024-25 season.
How Dennis Schroder can help Williams ascend
Schroder's praise for Williams should not be taken lightly. The veteran point guard has proved himself to be one of the most reliable floor generals in the league, and he knows outstanding effort when he sees it. After joining the Nets via trade from the Toronto Raptors in February of 2024, Schroder averaged an earnest 14.6 points, 6.0 assists, and shot a career-high 41.2 percent on his three-pointers.
Schroder's playmaking abilities can help Ziaire Williams rebuild his value in one crucial area.
Since entering the league in 2021, Williams has been a career 30.1 percent three-point shooter. His best accuracy came during his rookie season with the Grizzlies, where he shot 31.4 percent. He comes off a 2023-24 season shooting 30.7 percent in 51 games. The priority for Williams is staying healthy, but increasing his efficiency on his deep-range shots should be a big endeavor for him.
With Schroder being an experienced and effective passer, Williams could take the next step during the upcoming season. Williams missed both of his three-point attempts against the Clippers, but there is plenty more competition for him to keep growing.