Nets' Ziaire Williams Discusses More Reps With Ball in His Hands

Ziaire Williams has taken his game to new heights since coming over to the Brooklyn Nets in 2024.

Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) and forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Many, if not most, wings in the NBA are known for either shooting the 3-point or defending the perimeter at a high level.

However, there are a select few who can operate with the ball in their hands and either put pressure on the rim or make plays for their teammates. The most esteemed example of that prototype is LeBron James.

Ziaire Williams has taken his game to new heights since coming over to the Brooklyn Nets in 2024. In recent games, Nets coach Jordi Fernández has trusted the 6-foot-9 wing to handle more playmaking responsibilities.

“The way he shines is when he’s very aggressive defensively, then he keeps it simple offensively and [takes] that to a higher level,” Fernández said. “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.

“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.”

Williams recently expressed optimism in making Brooklyn his longterm home. As the season winds down, giving him opportunities to step out of his comfort zone and expand his all around game should only help him carve out a more defined role next season.

“It's been fun," Williams said. "Honestly, I've played this way my whole life. I had the ball in my hands when I was three years old. It's not really anything new. Obviously, the more I do it, the more familiar I get, the slower the game becomes. But it's nothing I'm uncomfortable with, and I've been having a lot of fun with it. I truly love working on my craft and working on my game. All these shots I'm shooting, I've practiced. It's not like I'm just going in the game and shooting anything and praying to god it goes in. I put the work in. I'm just trying to get better every day.”