Limited to 37 games last season due to a knee problem and therefore in slight statistical decline, Ziaire Williams (2m06, 22 years old) was unable to confirm the good predispositions seen during his rookie year.
But the young player, who has only just celebrated his 22nd birthday, has a great opportunity to seize on position 3, deserted by Dillon Brooks. On favorable waivers against David Roddy and John Konchar, Ziaire Williams scored a lot of points during the preseason. Literally as well as figuratively.
Apart from a timid first match, he recorded four games in a row with 10 points or more, including 19 points in 21 minutes against Miami and 15 points and 7 rebounds against the Bucks. His coach obviously noticed the change in attitude. And physically, stronger with a few kilos gained in the off-season.
“I talked to him after practice to tell him he was doing a good job in our situations, using his length and mobility.”confided Taylor Jenkins in the Commercial Appeal. “His attention to detail on defense right now is exemplary. »
“I’m ready, you’ll see…”
Formerly a protégé of LeBron James after playing with Bronny in the youth team at Sierra Canyon, Ziaire Williams arrived (too?) young in the deep end after a “one-and-done” at Stanford. Now stronger and still just as long, he intends to come out of his shell for his third campaign, like his dunk over Robin Lopez the other night!
“I feel like I have good lateral movement speed for my size. And my length disrupts the opposing backs”he explains before adding with a smile. “I’m ready, you’ll see…”
Expected on outside shooting, a work still in progress after two first seasons at only 30% at 3-points, Ziaire Williams demonstrated real progress in the preseason (9/20). Likewise, he fully satisfied, even surprised, his staff in his ability to create offensively, a new string to his bow.
With his defensive versatility, one of the characteristics of Memphis in general, Ziaire Williams has all the cards in hand to become the new starting 3 position for the Grizzlies this season.
| Ziaire Williams | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | SAME | 62 | 22 | 45.0 | 31.4 | 78.2 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 8.1 |
| 2022-23 | SAME | 37 | 15 | 42.9 | 25.8 | 77.3 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 5.7 |
| Total | 99 | 19 | 44.4 | 29.8 | 77.9 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 7.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
