Rookie Ziaire Williams thrives in Grizzlies’ major five | NBA

” I am a proud big brother! After the Grizzlies’ win at Madison Square Garden this week, Ja Morant displayed all his enthusiasm alongside his teammate, Ziaire Williams. The latter, on the legendary New York floor, had just had the best game of his young career with 21 points (9/11 on shots), 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Among his offerings, a lob to his leader for the “alley-oop” of the evening.

This match confirmed the good form of the 10th choice of the last Draft. Dillon Brooks blocked in the infirmary for several weeks, Taylor Jenkins introduced the rookie in his five major.

A good idea because the 20-year-old player, who had little responsibility until then, has averaged just under 11 points (47.5% on shots) for ten matches as a starter. If he still has difficulty finishing behind the arc (only 27% over the season), Ziaire Williams first impresses his coach with his defense.

” I believe since he’s been in the five he’s defended on everyone from Stephen Curry to Luka Doncic, full-backs, bigger wingers. No matter. He is very well trained defensively for a rookie. I love his determination, his movement speed, his length and his lateral movements“, Taylor Jenkins list.

Defense first

The latter considers that his player is ” always in the right place, he makes the right choices. He’s a confident lad and I think he gave us a good boost in this five. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he is a factor in victory.“

This confidence, in attack, was particularly visible in this match against the Knicks. Last night, in another victory in Orlando, the winger showed more sobriety with his 11 points at 4/8 on shots.

At least he didn’t have to defend on a league superstar. But when it does, Taylor Jenkins believes his player is not one to back down. ” He knows he has confidence in his physical abilities and all the mental work he provides. He knows how he’s going to have to handle some of the toughest duels in the league. He goes there and fights. He knows, and we tell him again and again, that this is his priority.“

His offensive contribution is indeed only a bonus for the Grizzlies who already rely, on their “backcourt”, on a sparkling Ja Morant as well as a Desmond Bane who has changed in size since his rookie season. Ja Morant also sees in his “little brother” a winger ” able to score and defend at a very high level. His talent is special, he earned his starting spot by playing with a lot of confidence and helping us to win. “

He is obviously not the only one responsible but in 13 tenures, Memphis has won 10 times.