Why Grizzlies sent Williams to the G League
A year ago around this time, Ziaire Williams was turning into one of the biggest surprises for the Memphis Grizzlies. He rebounded from a slow start to his rookie season and became a major piece to the Grizzlies' success in the second half of last season.
The team focused on his development and essentially made him the primary focus of Summer League a year after selecting him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies played Williams on the ball and put him in uncomfortable situations with hopes of creating a breakout opportunity for him.
Instead, injuries and playing time have limited Williams' progress, and he was sent down to the G League Memphis Hustle on Monday. The thought is that Williams can go down to the G League and play major minutes consistently instead of being near the end of the Grizzlies' bench in a small role.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins didn't give a clear indication on when Williams could be back in the NBA.
“I think it's just a great developmental opportunity for him,” Jenkins said. “... This is an opportunity for him to find his groove. It's not about making shots, missing shots, this or that. It's just about finding the best self, and sometimes you just need consistent minutes.”
Williams was expected to be the top wing option off the bench. Then he was diagnosed with patellar tendinitis during the preseason and missed the first 24 games.
Since he made his season debut Dec. 7, Williams has been up and down the rotation. In 17.9 minutes per game this season, Williams is averaging 6.2 points on 42.1% shooting in 27 games. He shot 45% and averaged 8.1 points as a rookie.
But his minutes have diminished in the past two games as he has fallen behind John Konchar, Danny Green and David Roddy.
Memphis hopes a G League stint will help his development, like it has done for Roddy, Xavier Tillman Sr., Santi Aldama
and others over the past two seasons.
“I think the G League is a great spot for players to develop and play some real minutes,” Aldama said. “I think it's going to be great for him. He's going to be back soon.”