Despite scorching scoring runs, Ziaire Williams is sidelined in crucial fourth quarters as the Nets prioritize developing younger talent for their future.
Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams has dissected opposing defenses in the past five games, and he's doing it in three quarters. However, Williams is nowhere to be found in the fourth quarter.
The reason behind Williams' absence in the game's final stretch is that coach Jordi Fernández benched him to play recently acquired younger players.
"The reality is, I have to develop the young guys," Fernández told reporters after Brooklyn’s loss on Friday. "We have five first-round picks, and guys we just acquired or guys we haven't seen enough. It's my job to get answers to what we want to do in the summer."
Brooklyn (17-57) re-signed Williams to a two-year, $12.5 million deal in September, with a $6.25 million team option for next season.
Williams is averaging 13.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 50.5-percent shooting from the field, 48.8 percent from beyond the arc, and 86 percent from the free-throw line in March. He's scored 15 points or more in the past five games.
The common thread in Williams' benching in the past five games is that four of the games were close. Brooklyn's losses to the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors were decided by five points or less.
The Los Angeles Lakers' 116-99 win over the Nets on Friday night was close through three quarters; Brooklyn trailed 85-84 until the fourth quarter, before the Lakers pulled away.
Williams is rolling with the punches, though, remaining supportive even when he's on the bench
"I want to play every minute of every game, but it's above me," Williams told YES Network's Meghan Triplett after the loss on Friday. "It's out of my control, so I leave it up to the coaches. My job is, whenever my name is called, I go out there [and] play my hardest. Then when I'm on the bench, I support my team."
Williams' teammates, Josh Minot and Jalen Wilson, play in the fourth quarter, possibly adding more fuel to the fire on whether Williams' future with the Nets is in jeopardy.
Minot is under contract for one more season, currently earning $2.3 million and $2.5 million next season. Wilson is on an expiring contract, earning $2.2 million.
The young players behind Williams are also having productive months. Minot is averaging 11.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and one assist on 50.6-percent shooting from the field, 46.3-percent from 3-point range and 80.8 percent from the free throw line.
Wilson is averaging 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and one assist on 42.4-percent shooting, 30 percent from beyond the arc and making 69.6 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe.
Williams' fourth-quarter benching in the past five games casts uncertainty over his future with the team, especially when his younger teammates are playing over him.
The trend could continue on Sunday when Brooklyn hosts Sacramento (19-55) at the Barclays Center. Williams will likely play throughout the first three quarters, but what matters is whether Fernández will leave him in for the fourth.
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