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3 Grizzlies to monitor during preseason game vs Bucks

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 08: Ziaire Williams #8 and John Konchar #46 help Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Indiana Pacers at FedExForum on October 08, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 08: Ziaire Williams #8 and John Konchar #46 help Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Indiana Pacers at FedExForum on October 08, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Ziaire Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Ziaire Williams of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

1. Ziaire Williams

Coming into season number three, it’s truly a now-or-never situation for Ziaire Williams.

Selected 10 overall back in the 2021 NBA Draft, the wing has had quite an up-and-down tenure with the Grizzlies, seeing averages of just 8.1 points and 2.1 rebounds on 45.0 percent shooting from the field in year one only to then have his numbers drop across the board in year two.

As a result of this, there are many who are of the belief that Memphis should cut their losses on the wing and look to sell high on him in some sort of trade while he still has the allure of a recently selected lottery talent.

However, considering the club is currently in need of a new primary small forward with the departure of Dillon Brooks this summer, Williams legitimately finds himself in a position to seize control over the starting three spot should he put forth a strong training camp and preseason.

Now all he has to do is earn it.

https://twitter.com/grindcitymedia/status/1708903979332125139

Though his performance against the Pacers wasn’t necessarily the best of starts for the 22-year-old from a scoring perspective what with his lackluster 6 points while shooting 2-for-7 from the field and 0-for-3 from deep, he did manage to show some serious intangibles that, frankly, got him drafted so high in the first place.

In 21 minutes played, Williams had his hands in a number of different areas of the game as he registered 4 boards, 3 assists, a block, and a steal.

Hopefully, he can continue to make an impact in these particular zones while also seeing an uptick in his scoring efficiency as well.

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