Brooklyn faces a tough decision with Ziaire Williams. His defense is sparking why the Nets should bring him back.
The Brooklyn Nets appear to love this late-season charge out of Ziaire Williams.
He's stepped up amid the injury pileup. He's taken the lead scorer mantle in the absence of Michael Porter Jr. Then he's igniting the defensive energy when there's no Nic Claxton or Noah Clowney.
His head coach, Jordi Fernandez, likes what he sees out of the latter, which he shared via Erik Slater of ClutchPoints Tuesday.
“The way he shines is when he’s very aggressive defensively, then he keeps it simple offensively and [takes] that to a higher level,” Fernandez said.
The head coach has seen the work ethic first hand from the veteran signed to a two-year deal.
“Even the other day, I know I’m running more plays for him, but that doesn’t mean he’s dribbling 15 times and just playing iso. I’m just running a second-side plays for him. He’s quick, he’s simple, he plays pick-and-roll, and he either makes a play to score or to kick the ball. So putting the ball in his hands, it’s good," Fernandez said.
Williams is snatching 2.2 steals a night in 36 total minutes. Brooklyn has even allowed 5.5 fewer points per 100 possessions with Williams on the floor, according to stats from Cleaning the Glass.
But now the big question: Is this defensive energy enough for the Nets to keep Williams?
They still have a big decision to make contract wise this summer. Williams and his agent have the power to negotiate a contract extension. Or his current late season charge could elevate his name in the offseason trade market, especially on NBA draft night in June. The Nets currently have a $6.25 million team option for him attached to his contract.
Fernandez still has other elements he hopes to see from Williams for the time being.
“I haven’t done it as much, but I still want to see him being decisive, shooting catch-and-shoot 3s, getting to the rim. But then his superpower of what he did against the Lakers, which was guard the best player on the court, be disruptive, get deflections, all of those things that gave the team energy. And that’s when Ziaire is at his best," Fernandez said.
Williams is sparking intrigue about a potential return with more money in Brooklyn. He can even form a potential tandem with Connecticut star Tarris Reed Jr., if the Nets gravitate toward the Final Four participant in the later round.
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