Grizzlies who may not last the entire 2023-24 season in Memphis
By Mark Nilon
Ziaire Williams
Like Josh Christopher and, in a way, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams is a player who has yet to live up to the expectations bestowed upon him when entering the association.
Considering his lofty lottery-selected status (10 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft), there’s a strong argument to be made that his quiet production to this point is the most disappointing, however, on the flip side, this label coupled with his still youthful age of 21 makes him perhaps the most coveted asset on the trade market out of all three.
Coming in on a make-or-break third season with the Grizzlies, Williams will be eligible for a contract extension at the campaign’s conclusion, and there is without a doubt a chance that he earns a rather lucrative one with the potential to earn the team’s starting three position as a result of the departure of Dillon Brooks this summer.
Should all go well and the former Stanford product claim his spot in the first five rotation, then by all means Memphis should strongly consider holding onto him for the long haul.
That said, if Williams loses out in the open competition, Zach Kleiman and company must strongly consider trying their best to sell high on the concept of his “untapped potential” in exchange for someone who can actually aid in winning efforts.
