Many, if not most, wings in the NBA are known for either shooting the 3-point or defending the perimeter at a high level. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ziaire Williams has taken his game to new heights since coming over to the Brooklyn Nets in 2024. In recent games, Nets coach Jordi Fern\u00e1ndez has trusted the 6-foot-9 wing to handle more playmaking responsibilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way he shines is when he\u2019s very aggressive defensively, then he keeps it simple offensively and [takes] that to a higher level,\u201d Fern\u00e1ndez said. \u201cEven the other day, I know I\u2019m running more plays for him, but that doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s dribbling 15 times and just playing iso. I\u2019m just running a second-side plays for him. He\u2019s quick, he\u2019s 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\u2019s good.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t 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\u2019s when Ziaire is at his best.\u201d<\/p>\n