The Brooklyn Nets are just two games into their 2024-25 campaign and have some pressing things to improve upon. However, there have been positives to the early start as well, and the play of former Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams has been one of the brightest takeaways.
Williams is in his first year with the Nets after the Grizzlies traded him in June of 2024. The former 2021 lottery pick possesses enticing potential, but in his first three years with Memphis, he struggled to take significant strides. Most notably, Williams' three-point shooting was a major point of concern. He never shot higher than 31.4 percent during his time with the Grizzlies.
Of course, Williams has time to improve, and he is spending plenty of it in the gym with the Nets working on his game. But his first two games with Brooklyn are more promising than some might have expected.
Williams made his Nets debut against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 23. He scored nine points in 16 minutes and shot an impressive 66 percent (2-for-3) on his three-pointers. Then, Williams amassed seven points, seven rebounds, and shot 50 percent (1-for-2) on his threes in the Nets' 116-101 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Through his first two games, Williams is shooting a blazing 60 percent from deep range, a major improvement from his time with the Grizzlies. It is way too early to start making definitive claims on Williams' three-point shooting, but so far, he is showing that he means business.
Williams might be Nets' most coveted weapon
The Nets are not the most talented team in the NBA, but make no mistake, they have plenty of promising young pieces. Whether Cam Thomas and Jalen Wilson's offensive upside or Nic Claxton and Noah Claxton defensive presence, Brooklyn has pieces to build around. But Ziare Williams is a bit of a wild card.
There is no question of Williams' talent. The Grizzlies did not select him 10th overall for no reason. He possesses enticing physical tools and has the versality to be a good all-around player. However, as previously mentioned, he did not play as close to his potential as Memphis would have liked.
Williams comes off a 2023-24 season with averages of 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.7 steals on a 30.7 three-point shooting clip. In his bench role with the Nets so far, Williams has played well, nearly matching his previous season's production in a lesser role with better shooting. There is no telling what he can do if given a larger role. He just might become one of Brooklyn's most prized weapons.