SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Top 60 Prospects for the 2021 NBA Draft
9. Ziaire Williams, G/F, Stanford
Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 185 | Age: 19 | Freshman
Williams appeared ready for a full breakout after a stellar game against Alabama at this season’s Maui Invitational, but has fallen back to earth since, pointing to the consistency issues that have held him back a bit to this point. Williams has made nice strides with his shooting mechanics in the past year, and looks every bit of a reliable, dangerous pull-up threat with the height to get his release off mostly unfettered at all times, but he runs hot and cold. His overall floor game is sound—he’s an underrated passer, understands how to be effective without dominating the ball, and has shown solid awareness on the defensive end, where his size and length are a plus.
The primary concern right now is Williams’ inability (or unwillingness) to attack the paint in the halfcourt, which is a function of a few things—a somewhat loose handle, a lack of vertical explosiveness and physical strength, and his tendency to settle for jumpers. He’s such a good mid-range shooter that it’s a bit less problematic, but it’s pretty difficult to be an elite-level scorer in the NBA without drawing fouls (he’s shot just two free throws in three games) and putting pressure on the rim. These issues predate his time in college, and will ultimately be a crucial piece of the eval for teams. Struggles aside, he’s a lottery-level talent.
9. Ziaire Williams, G/F, Stanford
Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 185 | Age: 19 | Freshman
Williams appeared ready for a full breakout after a stellar game against Alabama at this season’s Maui Invitational, but has fallen back to earth since, pointing to the consistency issues that have held him back a bit to this point. Williams has made nice strides with his shooting mechanics in the past year, and looks every bit of a reliable, dangerous pull-up threat with the height to get his release off mostly unfettered at all times, but he runs hot and cold. His overall floor game is sound—he’s an underrated passer, understands how to be effective without dominating the ball, and has shown solid awareness on the defensive end, where his size and length are a plus.
The primary concern right now is Williams’ inability (or unwillingness) to attack the paint in the halfcourt, which is a function of a few things—a somewhat loose handle, a lack of vertical explosiveness and physical strength, and his tendency to settle for jumpers. He’s such a good mid-range shooter that it’s a bit less problematic, but it’s pretty difficult to be an elite-level scorer in the NBA without drawing fouls (he’s shot just two free throws in three games) and putting pressure on the rim. These issues predate his time in college, and will ultimately be a crucial piece of the eval for teams. Struggles aside, he’s a lottery-level talent.
