Grizzlies: 3 questions about 2021 first-round pick Ziaire Williams

Will the Memphis Grizzlies have a problem with Ziaire Williams’ sub-30% deep-range shooting?

One of the areas of emphasis this offseason for Memphis was its deep-range shooting. Last year, the Grizzlies weren’t the worst 3-point shooting team in the league, but they were subpar. It was an easy number to point to that needs to improve.

On the surface, this selection does absolutely nothing to help that issue.

Thankfully, not everything is that simple. Ziaire Williams is one of those players who has a smooth shot but never got into a groove from deep during his time in college. He’s a capable shooter, even if his 29.1% 3-point shooting might lead you to believe otherwise.

Don’t expect his percentage to hover around the 30-mark for long in the NBA. In high school, he was a knock-down shooter on a relatively big stage. Even after a down year, the Grizzlies must have some faith that he’ll bounce back.

That said, it may take him a while to settle in, as it did in college.