Predicting the Grizzlies’ starting lineup after the 2021 NBA Draft
Memphis Grizzlies Starting SG: Dillon Brooks/Ziaire Williams
Okay, allow me to unpack the confusion.
If we’re trying to figure out what the starting lineup will look like on Day 1 of the 2021 NBA season, we’ll likely see Dillon Brooks as the team’s shooting guard, even though he has done an objectively better job as a small forward.
That said, it seems inevitable that he’ll slide up to the small forward spot, knocking Kyle Anderson into a sixth-man role, and leaving space for rookie Ziaire Williams to enter the starting lineup. Williams will help this team immensely when it comes to perimeter defense, which was a huge area of concern for the Grizzlies last year.
Williams may also help this team’s shooting, which was in the low 30% range with Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks making up the backcourt. Even though Williams shot under 30% in college, he’s thought of as a guy who has a smooth shot and a lot of potential from deep range.
Next. 3 questions about first-round pick Ziaire Williams. dark
At just 19 years old, he may take a while to settle in. Even so, Memphis didn’t draft him to ride the bench. Expect him to come off of the bench while he adjusts to the NBA before making appearances in the starting lineup by the end of the season.