Tag: Ziaire Williams

Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams floated as potential Bulls trade target

Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams was listed as a potential San Antonio Spurs trade target.

As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Chicago Bulls are going to be a top team to watch. Ever since their ugly 5-14 start to the season, they’ve been a common squad brought up as a potential seller. The top story has been the search for a Zach LaVine trade, but other pieces could be moving around as well.

While their primary focus may be finding a LaVine deal, as well as trades for DeMar DeRozan and other veterans, the Bulls should also be keeping an eye on players they may want to bring back in trades. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report listed three names as potential Bulls trade targets.

One of the names Buckley floated was Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams.

The 22-year-old has appeared in 30 games this season, playing 19.0 minutes per contest. He’s averaged 7.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 38.2% from the field and 31.6% from behind the three-point line.

Buckley also mentioned the idea of targeting draft assets, as well as Washington Wizards point guard Tyus Jones.

“Chicago should prioritize draft picks over everything—this roster will require a complete overhaul at some point—but if chases win-now talent for some reason, then a pass-first point guard like Jones might connect this roster the way Lonzo Ball once did,” Buckley wrote. “Williams, meanwhile, represents the kind of low-cost flier this franchise should be taking if it ever leans into a youth movement.”

The 6-foot-9 forward was a promising prospect, drafted 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, but has yet to pan out with the Grizzlies. Chicago would be his chance at a second home in the NBA.

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Why Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams is the top candidate primed to have a breakout season in 2022-23

Don’t sleep on Ziaire Williams.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams is one of the most fascinating young players in the league.

Williams averaged just 8.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game during his rookie campaign. But there are plenty of reasons to believe that this former Stanford standout could drastically improve those numbers in his second professional season.

Last year, Memphis teammates Ja Morant and Desmond Bane both finished in the top 5 for the NBA’s Most Improved Player — with Morant taking home the trophy.

Williams, who is still just 20 years old, is a very interesting candidate to do the same next season. Even though his odds (+20000 per Tipico) equate to a very small implied probability, I like him as a sleeper pick with great value.

Here are the reasons why Williams stands out as a breakout candidate:

‘He is making an impact on winning’: Ziaire Williams impressing as a starter

Ziaire Williams has become a full-time starter for the Grizzlies, and is impressing those around him with his recent play.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on Saturday commended the effort and recent play of rookie Ziaire Williams as a member of the starting lineup.

Williams has started in 14 out of the last 15 games for the Grizzlies, including 13 straight, and is averaging 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists during that span. He previously missed time due to an ankle injury but has had his best stretch of the season.

The 10th pick played exclusively off of the bench to start the season but has played a key role for the team as of late. Williams has given the Grizzlies strong production in that role and has really excelled on the defensive end of the floor.

Jenkins loves the versatility and confidence Williams has on defense.

I think recently in starting lineup, he has guarded everyone from Stephen Curry to Luka Doncic, guards, bigger wings. It doesn’t matter. Obviously, as a rookie, he is getting a great education right now on the defensive end. I just love his competitiveness, recovery speed, length and lateral movement.

He is always in the right spots, makes the right plays. He is a confident kid so I think he has given us a nice boost in that starting lineup. Whether he is starting or coming off the bench, he is making an impact on winning.

The task of guarding the likes of Curry, Doncic and some of the other superstars of the league can be a daunting task. However, Williams has seemingly taken the challenge head-on and has embraced it recently on the court.

Jenkins explained how Williams is preparing for those matchups.

He is not backing down. He knows he is confident in his physical abilities and all of the work he puts in from a mental standpoint, he knows how he is going to have to handle some of the tougher matchups in the league. He goes out there and competes really hard. He knows, and we tell him all of the time, just make that your priority.

The early play of Williams has drawn praise from his teammates. He has impressed them with his work ethic in practice and willingness to learn and get better. They see the work he has put in and have full trust in him in high-pressure situations.

Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant likes what Williams brings to the court.

(He is) a 6-foot-9 wing who can shoot the ball, can score at all three levels and defend at a very high level. He is a special talent and has earned the starting spot right now playing with a lot of confidence and definitely helping us win basketball games.

While Williams has impressed those around him, his fellow teammates have helped play a role in his recent run. They have offered plenty of advice throughout the season and that has translated onto the court for Williams in the starting lineup.

My teammates do a lot of encouragement and telling me to just keep going and keep shooting it. Every game, I definitely feel more comfortable for sure just playing with the guys, getting into a rhythm and flow myself. It is fun more than anything.

Williams will certainly have ups and downs as a rookie, but has rarely made the same mistake twice. He has stayed committed to working every day to get better and improve, and that is beginning to show as the Grizzlies continue to perform at a high level.

For a team emerging as one of the favorites in the Western Conference, Williams’ contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He will continue to develop, which should only help the Grizzlies continue to stay in the playoff mix this season.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Grizzlies’ Ja Morant defends Ziaire Williams after missed shot

Morant came to the defense of Williams over any potential criticism after a missed 3-pointer late in a loss to the 76ers.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant on Monday came to the defense of rookie Ziaire Williams over any potential criticism after a missed 3-pointer late in a 122-119 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

With the 76ers up by one point, and less than 10 seconds remaining in overtime, Morant hit Williams in the corner. Williams fired the shot off but it missed and the Sixers held on to win after Tyrese Maxey got the rebound and scored as time expired.

Morant led the Grizzlies with 37 points while Williams finished with eight points, nine rebounds and two assists in his 12th start of the season. Afterward, Morant explained what he saw on the final play of the game in overtime.

(Ziaire) open. His man came to help. It was the right play. I wouldn’t change it. If it happens again, I’ll make the same pass. I passed because I believe in him and know he is capable of making that shot. If that play comes again, I’ll pass it again.

It is nothing to hang our heads about. If people want to be mad because he missed the shot, if there is anybody you want to be mad at, it can be me. I had nine turnovers, missed some big free throws and didn’t make a three. If you pick anybody to be mad at, pick me.

The Grizzlies had won three straight prior to losing on Monday and posted the third-best record in the NBA during the month of January. Williams has played a big part in their recent success, averaging 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists as a starter in that span.

To be a first-year player on the court in crunch-time situations is certainly a big responsibility, but Morant believes Williams has earned the opportunity to be on the court during that time.

He earned that from his play before. He has made that same shot plenty of times this season. Also, his defense. It was big-time for us, as well. He earned that opportunity to be out there late in the game. His work speaks for itself when he is out there.

Certainly, Williams has made an impression on the coaching staff and his teammates to this point of the season. The team trusts him in those high-pressure situations and will only continue to do so as the season progresses along.

It seems like only a matter of time before Williams can become the hero for the Grizzlies and hit those shots.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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LeBron ‘had a moment’ facing Bronny’s ex-teammate Ziaire Williams

LeBron James reacted on Sunday to facing Ziaire Williams, who was teammates with his son, Bronny, in high school.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ziaire Williams previously said it would be a crazy experience to face LeBron James in the NBA, and the 11th overall pick finally had the opportunity to match up against him on the court.

Of course, Williams was teammates at Sierra Canyon High School with Bronny James, the son of LeBron. He was quite close with Bronny during his senior year and even views LeBron as an uncle figure after playing with Bronny.

When Williams was drafted by the Grizzlies, the possibility of playing LeBron in the NBA hadn’t set in yet. It was two days after the draft that Williams first realized that would happen this season.

“That is going to be a crazy night, for real,” Williams said on July 31. “That’s crazy. It really just hit me that I’m really going to play LeBron. That’s going to be a fun experience.”

After LeBron helped lead the Lakers to the 121-118 victory, he was asked if it had hit him that he played against someone who was teammates with his 17-year-old son.

Absolutely! I’m aware of everything that is going on on the floor. I looked at Ziaire a couple of times and I was just shaking my head inside just remembering a year and a half ago, two years, he was hitting a game-winner to send them to the state championship alongside my son. … It is a weird dynamic for myself to see something like that but I’m happy for the kid, obviously. I had a moment for sure.

LeBron registered 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocked shots during the win. Williams finished with three points, three rebounds and one steal in nearly 18 minutes of work in just his third game in the NBA.

The opportunity to play against LeBron was likely one Williams will never forget. The meeting was the first of four on the schedule this season with the next one coming on Dec. 9 back in L.A.

Williams better get used to facing LeBron and the Lakers this season.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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NBA rookie grades: Examining the debuts of each lottery pick

Rookie Wire took a look at how each lottery pick played in their debut game and offered a grade for each performance.

Excitement spread across the sports world on Wednesday as the NBA continued to tip off its 75th anniversary season with 22 teams in action around the country.

The evening saw several elite performances from the biggest stars in the game, while the bulk of the rookie class also hit the court for the first time. Several of the top first-year players were in action as the final results produced a mixed reaction.

Of course, No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham was absent from the Detroit Pistons’ lineup due to a right ankle sprain but Wednesday saw plenty of other high draft picks make their debuts, including Jalen Green, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs among others.

Rookie Wire went through and took a look at how each lottery pick played in their debut game. We offered a grade for each performance, and some analysis on how they looked on the court.

Grizzlies season preview: How strong is Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson duo?

With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson, both only recently 22 years old, the Memphis Grizzlies may have the best duo of young players in the NBA.

With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson, both only recently 22 years old, the Memphis Grizzlies may have the best duo of young players in the NBA.

Memphis is building well around Morant, who is clearly one of the league’s top rising stars. They still have some weaknesses, like an ability for anyone else beyond Morant to crate their own offense off the bounce. But they have enough depth — and enough tenacity on defense — to at least put up a fight on both sides of the ball.

Below, check out our preview for the 2021-22 Grizzlies campaign.

Grizzlies’ Ziaire Williams a late scratch vs. Pistons on Monday

Williams was listed as questionable on the injury report but was eventually ruled out prior to the start of the game.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ziaire Williams was a late scratch from the lineup on Monday versus the Detroit Pistons with a left thigh contusion, the team announced.

Williams was listed as questionable on the injury report but was eventually ruled out prior to the start of the game. He attempted to go through pre-game warmups but did not feel comfortable with the injury and was held out of action.

“He kinda got knocked in his quad the other day so we’re just going to be smart,” Grizzlies said head coach Taylor Jenkins said during his pre-game media availability. “We don’t want to push it today with two more (games left in the preseason).”

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Williams is averaging 4.7 points, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and one assist through three preseason games. The team doesn’t want to rush him back into action too quickly and, with two games left after Monday, he could be ready to play on Wednesday versus the Indiana Pacers.

The Grizzlies, who are playing six preseason games this year, opted to go with a heavy schedule in order to get players acclimated to the system and each other on the court. They can afford to have players sit a game or two before the regular season begins.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Yes, Grizzlies’ Ziaire Williams is still eating 5,000 calories per day

Williams revealed this week that he is essentially eating around the clock to gain weight ahead of the season.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ziaire Williams revealed this week that he is still adhering to a 5,000-calorie diet in an effort to bulk up ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Grizzlies announcer Pete Pranica first broke the news on a telecast during summer league that Williams was eating upward of 5,000 calories per day to pack on muscle. Pranica followed up with Williams this week at media day and the 10th overall pick offered more details about his diet.

I’m on a meal prep plan. I’m basically eating a full meal every 2-3 hours. It can be salmon and potatoes or chicken and rice. I have this meal prep company that kinda sends me stuff back home. I’m basically eating full meals whenever I’m not hungry. At first, it was tough but when you’re consistent at it, it kinda gets easier as time goes on.

It is not certain just how much weight Williams has been able to add since joining the team. He weighed in at 188.4 pounds at the draft combine and was listed at 185 pounds by the Grizzlies on their official training camp roster.

Certainly, Williams and the team know adding weight to handle the physicality of the NBA will be a necessity this year. He projects to fit in as a strong defensive option for the Grizzlies, and could even develop into a strong 3-and-D player.

In the meantime, he’ll continue to eat around the clock.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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Ziaire Williams reacts to playing ‘Uncle’ LeBron for the first time

Williams, 19, will go from being teammates with Bronny in high school to facing LeBron in the NBA.

Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ziaire Williams shared the court plenty of times with Bronny James at Sierra Canyon High School, but facing his father in the NBA will be an entirely different experience.

Of course, Williams spent his senior year of high school at Sierra Canyon and was teammates with James and Zaire Wade, the sons of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He grew quite close with Bronny and Zaire and even looks to LeBron and Dwyane as uncles.

“Uncle ‘Bron and uncle D-Wade, I talk to them all of the time, especially Dwyane,” Williams said. “He just reached out to me last night just to congratulate me. They have been super supportive. When I first met them, I was almost starstruck but the moment you meet them, you forget who they are just because they are so down to earth and so humbled and laid back.”

Williams, 19, will now go from being teammates with Bronny in high school to facing LeBron in the NBA within a two-year period. The reality of facing such a close family friend hadn’t yet set in as Williams was introduced to the media on Friday.

“That is going to be a crazy night, for real,” Williams said. “That’s crazy. It really just hit me that I’m really going to play LeBron. That’s going to be a fun experience.”

While the experience of facing LeBron will be something in itself, Williams is simply just excited to begin his career with the Grizzlies, a team that he wanted to land with. The organization welcomed him in with open arms and has high expectations for him as the 10th overall pick.

Williams, who was the highest-rated recruit to commit to Stanford, averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season. He posted just the second triple-double in program history, recording 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists against Washington on Jan. 7.

He pointed to the Grizzlies’ youth and coaching staff as some of the reasons why he wanted to join the team. He also believes he can be the big wing player the Grizzlies need on both ends of the floor while playing a key role in the rotation.

“I am super excited to be a Memphis Grizzly,” Williams said. “This is where I wanted to be. I kept that a secret because I didn’t want to mess it up but this is, honestly, really where I wanted to be. Words can’t express just how excited and blessed I am to be part of this organization.”

Williams’ rookie season in the NBA will be filled with plenty of firsts, of course. But the opportunity to play LeBron on the court will likely be among the most memorable experiences for Williams. It should certainly be a fun matchup to watch next season.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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