The NBA season is fast approaching, and the Lakers have a massive decision to make right away: who’s locking down that fifth starting spot? Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler seem like locks, but that final spot? It’s wide open, and Ziaire Williams is making a serious case, bringing the highest-upside wing profile on the whole team.
The Raw Tools and What They Mean
This isn’t Ziaire’s first rodeo; he’s entering his sixth season, moving from being the No. 10 pick with the Grizzlies to trying to find a home with the Nets. At 6’9” with a crazy 6’10” wingspan, the guy has intriguing physical tools that scream “disruptor.” And honestly, that’s exactly what the Lakers are desperately needing right now: an uber-athletic defender who can change the game. We’ve seen options like Sandro Mamukelashvili for spacing or veteran Matisse Thybulle for defensive pedigree, but Williams is that fresh start, that athletic wildcard that could just click.
When He Locks In, Watch Out
Yeah, like a lot of young players, Ziaire’s defensive concentration has been a flash-in-the-pan thing. The Nets, winning only 46 games total in his two years there, weren’t exactly the place where you cultivate high energy and defensive focus. But when Williams is locked in? Man, that’s when you see a level of versatility only the best defenders in the league show off. He’s got good technique and crazy quickness navigating screens out on the perimeter, holding his own against top playmakers. Remember that Jalen Brunson clip? He gave up the first step on a ball screen with a reach-in, then just exploded! Recovered, avoided the foul, chased behind, and cleanly blocked the shot. That ignited the whole break the other way. His length lets him play back on ball handlers and still recover in time to swat 3-point attempts. He might only average 0.4 blocks per game, but he’s always alert, always opportunistic, coming over for weakside denials with a quick-twitch jump.
A Chaos Creator for the Ages
Those great hands and that excellent timing are straight-up havoc for opposing offenses. There’s a clip of him just waiting for Kevin Durant to turn his head, then swipe, ball gone, heading the other way. He gets a ton of unexpected steals in the backcourt, just patiently waiting for the offense to relax and let their guard down. This guy is a chaos creator, plain and simple. He led the Nets with a massive 3.2 deflections per game. That number is no joke and tells you exactly what kind of defensive force he can be.
The NBA season is practically here, and with that fifth starting spot still up for grabs, Williams brings a unique blend of athleticism, length, and disruptive defensive playmaking that the Lakers absolutely need. Keep an eye on this one, because Ziaire Williams is ready to show everyone he’s found his home and is set to make a massive impact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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