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3 not-so-obvious Grizzlies that will make or break a title run

By Mark Nilon

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Taylor Jenkins, head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Taylor Jenkins, head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Ziaire Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Ziaire Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Ziaire Williams

This summer, the Grizzlies made the bold decision to part ways with long-tenured starting small forward Dillon Brooks, as he was offloaded to the Houston Rockets via sign-and-trade.

While many seem to be under the impression that such a move was the right one for Memphis to have made, it has simultaneously carved out a vacancy at one of the game’s most important positions at the wing.

At this point in time, there is no clear-cut option Taylor Jenkins can look to in an effort to replace the polarizing play of Brooks at the three, though, in a perfect world, Ziaire Williams would be the ideal selection.

Taken 10 overall back in the 2021 NBA Draft, the former Stanford standout drew rather rave comparisons upon coming into the association, with some deeming him as a Paul George-lite type of talent.

While he has yet to sniff such potential through his first two seasons in the association (7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds on 44.8 percent shooting), considering he has an opportunity to claim the starting small forward position for himself, the hope may now be that he can finally put his skills to their fullest use.

Should he become anything close to what the Grizzlies believed he could be upon selecting him in the lottery, there could be a grandiose impact on the club’s starting unit once fully intact, along with Memphis’ overall two-way potential.

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