Grizzlies select Ziaire Williams with No. 10 pick
With the tenth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Stanford shooting guard Ziaire Williams.
The Grizzlies acquired the pick, veterans Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe, the No. 40 pick, and a protected 2022 first-round selection from the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this week in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas and the No. 17 and No. 51 selections.
Williams is coming off an impressive freshman campaign with the Cardinal, averaging 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 20 games. Far from a finished product, he's an athletic wing with a ton of upside due to his potential as a defensive stopper, off-the-dribble shot-creator, and playmaker.
Bio
Position: SG/SF
School: Stanford
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 185 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-11
Max vertical: 39.5"
Strengths
- Most comfortable as an off-dribble threat rather than a spot-up scorer.
- Capable of making basic reads as a pick-and-roll playmaker.
- Lateral quickness helps him defend both guards and wings. Should be able to guard multiple positions at the next level.
- His length when closing out can impact an opponent's shot attempts.
- Strong finisher around the rim (53.8% shooter at the basket).
Weaknesses
- Below-average shooter (37.4% on field goals, 29.1% on 3-point attempts).
- Lacks physicality and is inconsistent.
- Struggles to score through traffic.
- Can get thrown off when fighting through screens. Needs to get better at evading.