The Memphis Grizzlies had big dreams for Ziaire Williams when they traded up to draft him in 2021.
Three years later, they had to give up a second-round pick just to trade him away.
Williams started 50 games for the Grizzlies but never lived up to his potential. He averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game but struggled with shooting.
Williams shot only 30.1% from three-point range, which is very low for someone who shoots over 80% from the free-throw line. His shooting woes continued from college into the NBA, and by his last season with Memphis, he couldn’t even make mid-range shots consistently.
Grizzlies’ Draft Struggles:
Memphis made excellent picks with Ja Morant (No. 2), Jaren Jackson Jr. (No. 4), and Desmond Bane (No. 30) between 2018-2020. However, their recent draft choices haven’t panned out as well despite having many opportunities.
In 2022, they traded two first-round picks to get Jake LaRavia at No.19, who has been unimpressive so far. They also traded De’Anthony Melton for David Roddy at No.23, only to salary-dump Roddy after he averaged just 8.4 points per game and shot poorly from behind the arc.
Fans might think these moves are puzzling given the team’s previous success in drafts.
Last summer, Memphis traded Tyus Jones and two first-round picks for Marcus Smartโa former Defensive Player of the Year who also struggles with threes! Now they’re hoping Zach Edey will be a surprise hit despite being picked higher than expected at No.9.
When Zach Kleiman became GM in 2019, everything seemed perfect; now he’s missing on almost every big draft swing he’s taken latelyโjust when Morant, Jackson, and Bane are earning big bucks!
With Williams gone nowโand costing them another pickโthe situation looks even worse What do you think about all these trades?
