Nets' Ziaire Williams believes he can revitalize his career with Brooklyn in the last year of his rookie deal
Nets' Ziaire Williams wants to revitalize career in final year of rookie deal. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
A change of scenery can do wonders for people trying to figure out their path. For Ziaire Williams, he’s hopes Brooklyn can be that for him.
Williams was traded to the Nets in July after spending his first three seasons with the Grizzlies. While in Memphis, the former No. 10 overall pick in 2021 struggled because of injuries and not finding a consistent role.
It’s why the forward expects a new home to revitalize his career in the last year of his rookie deal.
“I tell people all the time. I feel like a loose bird finally let out his cage,” Williams said. “I love the staff over here. Some days, I just kind of felt like I was just trapped. Definitely feel a lot more free. Happy to be here.”
The Nets took chances this offseason with young players looking for a second chance. Killian Hayes, a former top-10 pick in 2020, has an Exhibit 10 training camp invite hoping to make the roster. The same goes for Amari Bailey, a second-round pick with the Hornets last year.
But Williams, 23, has the best chance of that group to impact the Nets. He played 150 games with the Grizzlies and adds wing depth behind by Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
After three days of training camp, Williams is fitting in with a team playing with some edge.
With seven players on expiring contracts, there’s hunger fighting for minutes and proving they’re worthy for another contract.
“Everybody here just wants to win, man,” he said Thursday. “We’re all a bunch of guys with chips on our shoulders who have a lot of things to prove.”
Williams started 31 games as a rookie while the Grizzlies reached the second round of the playoffs. But a knee injury sidelined him to start his second season and he also spent part of the year in the G-League.
He also struggled with his shooting. Williams shot 45% from the field as a rookie but just 39.7% last season.
Coach Jordi Fernandez didn’t approach Williams’ signing with any preconceived notions. He wanted a fresh relationship while challenging him to make an impact mainly on defense.
“(I’m) challenging him to be the best defender on the team, be one of the best defenders in the NBA, be one of the best ball pressure defenders in the NBA,” Fernandez said. “Be one of the best cutters, be one of the best catch and shoot players in the NBA.
“His growth, he has no limit and I think he can be a very good player for this team.”
Williams still has plenty of respect for the Grizzlies. He credited coach Taylor Jenkins for teaching defensive principles that were similar to what he’s learning on the Nets. He also attended former teammate Desmond Bane’s wedding this summer.
But now, he’s focused on a new city and team to get his career back after a shaky start.
“I don't think I'll truly say I'm adjusted until we start playing real games, but I'm coming along really well and learning the plays,” Williams said. “Chemistry with guys has been better and better. It's been great, man, so I'm just trusting my work and trusting the staff each and every day."
Notes & quotes: The Nets held their first training camp scrimmage during Thursday’s practice. Williams and Johnson described it as super competitive, but were disappointed it ended in a tie. “I feel like we should've gone one more play, but it's all practice,” Williams said. “We have to save our energy for the real games and stuff.” . . . The Nets’ preseason opener is Tuesday against the Clippers in San Diego.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
