‘He is making an impact on winning’: Ziaire Williams impressing as a starter
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins on Saturday commended the effort and recent play of rookie Ziaire Williams as a member of the starting lineup.
Williams has started in 14 out of the last 15 games for the Grizzlies, including 13 straight, and is averaging 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists during that span. He previously missed time due to an ankle injury but has had his best stretch of the season.
The 10th pick played exclusively off of the bench to start the season but has played a key role for the team as of late. Williams has given the Grizzlies strong production in that role and has really excelled on the defensive end of the floor.
Jenkins loves the versatility and confidence Williams has on defense.
I think recently in starting lineup, he has guarded everyone from Stephen Curry to Luka Doncic, guards, bigger wings. It doesn’t matter. Obviously, as a rookie, he is getting a great education right now on the defensive end. I just love his competitiveness, recovery speed, length and lateral movement.
He is always in the right spots, makes the right plays. He is a confident kid so I think he has given us a nice boost in that starting lineup. Whether he is starting or coming off the bench, he is making an impact on winning.
The task of guarding the likes of Curry, Doncic and some of the other superstars of the league can be a daunting task. However, Williams has seemingly taken the challenge head-on and has embraced it recently on the court.
Jenkins explained how Williams is preparing for those matchups.
He is not backing down. He knows he is confident in his physical abilities and all of the work he puts in from a mental standpoint, he knows how he is going to have to handle some of the tougher matchups in the league. He goes out there and competes really hard. He knows, and we tell him all of the time, just make that your priority.
The early play of Williams has drawn praise from his teammates. He has impressed them with his work ethic in practice and willingness to learn and get better. They see the work he has put in and have full trust in him in high-pressure situations.
Grizzlies All-Star Ja Morant likes what Williams brings to the court.
(He is) a 6-foot-9 wing who can shoot the ball, can score at all three levels and defend at a very high level. He is a special talent and has earned the starting spot right now playing with a lot of confidence and definitely helping us win basketball games.
While Williams has impressed those around him, his fellow teammates have helped play a role in his recent run. They have offered plenty of advice throughout the season and that has translated onto the court for Williams in the starting lineup.
My teammates do a lot of encouragement and telling me to just keep going and keep shooting it. Every game, I definitely feel more comfortable for sure just playing with the guys, getting into a rhythm and flow myself. It is fun more than anything.
Williams will certainly have ups and downs as a rookie, but has rarely made the same mistake twice. He has stayed committed to working every day to get better and improve, and that is beginning to show as the Grizzlies continue to perform at a high level.
For a team emerging as one of the favorites in the Western Conference, Williams’ contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He will continue to develop, which should only help the Grizzlies continue to stay in the playoff mix this season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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