The time is now for Ziaire Williams

The trumpets of opportunity are blaring in Memphis, Tennessee.

For with Ja Morant out due to his 25-game suspension, there is a massive hole in the starting lineup for the Grizzlies. Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams all figure to be on the floor to begin the season on opening night. But the biggest question Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins and company must answer over the next two weeks is this – who will join those four on the court for the opening tip?

Is it the sharpshooting Luke Kennard? Or perhaps the malleable John Konchar? Maybe David Roddy’s versatility would reign supreme, or Jake LaRavia’s mix of size and stroke from beyond the arc? Even Derrick Rose, whose opening preseason game gave folks flashbacks of a time he wore a different “Memphis” jersey in some ways, could theoretically fit depending on how rotations shook out.

The solution, however, is none of the above. For if there was ever a time for Ziaire Williams to try to claim what should be his, it is right now.

The 6’9″ (maybe taller?) Williams brings exactly what Memphis has been trying to acquire from the outside via trade for well over a year – size on the perimeter that can stay on the perimeter until needed below. Watching Ziaire play, it can be seen that this is not a future stretch four – at least not until the next decade starts. This is a lengthy, quick, more-guard-than-forward who has the potential to create all sorts of issues for opposing teams on both ends of the floor.

Yes, creating off the dribble and attacking the rim violently is wonderful to see. But the chance (finally) at presenting itself for Ziaire to be more fully himself offensively, stopping in the midrange and rising up for a shot that he’s consistently been able to hit not just in the NBA (roughly 83rd percentile in the NBA on midrange jumpers among wings the last two seasons) but throughout his basketball journey is why more than ever Ziaire should be given every chance to succeed.

Ziaire was 1-4 from three against Milwaukee on Tuesday night, a 25% mark in line with much of what he’s done beyond the arc from high school to Stanford to Memphis. But 3-5 inside the three point line, including the dunk pictured and the pullup jumper referenced above, is where his offensive game is most effective. Jenkins and the Grizzlies coaching staff must not force Williams to be the proverbial square peg in a round hole. In the absence of an elite three-point shooting wing taller than 6’6″ than can defend multiple positions, prioritization of skills must be at the front of mind.

Williams isn’t a shooter from range. But he is a scorer of the ball on the other two levels of the floor, and also has shown real growth as a facilitator of offense both off the pick and roll and in transition. And while Ziaire will not be mistaken for Luke Kennard as a shooter or Derrick Rose as a passer, he brings a combination of athleticism, size, and skill that no other Grizzlies player possesses from a true wing.

And that most naturally connects with being a defensive force more often than not, which is where Memphis will win games with Ja Morant out most nights.

A 6’9″ (maybe 6’10”???) wing, next to a 6’11” Jaren Jackson Jr., next to a 7-foot Steven Adams, presents a lot of issues for any offense. Length, width, switchable opportunities when Santi Aldama comes in for Adams…the possibilities are far more numerous when you have the physical capabilities that Ziaire possesses. And his attention to detail, not just defensively but throughout the game Tuesday night, was cause for pausing to take notice.

His confidence is high. That doesn’t mean he was without mistakes – he made several. But the ceiling for what Memphis can be is perhaps beyond the clouds if he can commit to doing what he did against Milwaukee on a consistent basis. Score and facilitate in advantageous moments. Use your size and ability to move defensively. Be a complimentary piece to what the Grizzlies are trying to be.

The #10 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has always had the expectation of being the long-lost wing that Memphis Grizzlies fans have dreamed of. But that player doesn’t need to be a superstar, thanks in part to the Grizzlies front office and coaches nailing the drafting and/or development of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Ziaire Williams simply needs to be able to defend at a high level, which given his natural talent should translate with effort and further physical growth, and not be an offensive liability – create looks for himself while not inhibiting the actions of others.

Anything beyond that level of production is icing on the proverbial cake. And finding that sweet spot of stability in his game is vital – as well as, the best part sustainable. He can do what he did against the Bucks almost every night. And that is all the Grizzlies need him to be.

Money is about to get very tight in Memphis with the Desmond Bane contract extension kicking in next season and Jaren Jackson Jr. being due for a new deal the year after that. If Ziaire is indeed the guy, now is the time to show he will be worthy of the opportunity cost that’s associated with that selection – even beyond the trade that brought him to the Grizzlies in the first place.

Fairly or unfairly, Ziaire must answer the sound of those proverbial horns. His future in Memphis depends on it. But if Tuesday night is any indication, Williams is more confident than ever the days ahead will be better for him, and by extension the Memphis Grizzlies.