3 Grizzlies currently on the hot seat heading into 2023-24

2. Ziaire Williams

Without question, every and all Grizzlies fans are rooting for Ziaire Williams.

Selected 10 overall back in the 2021 NBA Draft, the belief was that the raw and high-upside talent that the former Stanford prospect showcased during his collegiate days would wind up translating into him becoming a quality two-way wing at the professional level.

Through two seasons in the association, however, we have yet to see such an evolution take place, and now, heading into year three, many are questioning whether it’s still possible.

Without a doubt, Williams has shown flashes of becoming such a player and has projected an impressive combination of shot-making abilities and astounding athleticism on numerous occasions.

Unfortunately, said instances have been few and far between one another.

Even his best stretch from his sophomore season was objectively underwhelming from an overall standpoint, as he averaged a mere 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds through 25 games from December 17 through February 2. For the season as a whole, he also registered a putrid net rating of -5.2.

With Dillon Brooks’ move to Houston this summer, Williams now has the chance to claim more meaningful minutes at the three and, quite possibly, even work his way into a starting position.

That said, should he not capitalize on this opportunity and see his game progress as a result, his tenure in Grind City could very easily find itself coming to an end soon after the conclusion of the campaign, if not as early as the February deadline.