Ziaire Williams has resumed on-court work after missing three straight games because of a left knee sprain. While the Nets forward will likely miss Friday’s rematch against the Memphis Grizzlies as well, he expects to return “sooner than later”.
“Just been doing a lot of simple stuff right now,” Williams said. “Not moving too much but definitely making good progress. Just listening to the training staff. I’m the type of guy who wants to just do everything right away, so they’ve been holding me back just a little bit, just out of precaution. Moving pretty well right now. Haven’t been any setbacks or anything so I should be back pretty soon.”
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s practice in Brooklyn, Williams added that his current rehab process is minor compared to what he has experienced in the past. Head coach Jordi Fernandez, associate head coach Steve Hetzel, and assistant coach Connor Griffin have been keeping him updated with the team’s schemes at both ends of the court while sidelined.”
“I’m definitely grateful for those experiences I had in the past, and it’s helped me just attack this rehab every day on a professional level to the best of my ability. And I’m confident that when I’ll be back, I’ll be even better than I was before.”
Williams and a Dallas Mavericks 2030 second-round pick were traded from the Grizzlies to the Nets in July in exchange for Mamadi Diakite and the draft rights to Nemanja Dangubic. The 23-year-old has averaged career-highs in minutes per game (21.8), points per game (8.6), free throws and free throw attempts per game (1.7, 2.1) offensive, defense and total rebounds per game (1.0, 3.3, 4.4) and steals per game (1.0) across his first 21 appearances in 2024-25.
“I’ve been pushing myself a lot on the cardio, just trying to stay in shape,” Williams said. “The way I play, it’s high volume, high maintenance. Just trying to just keep that up in the weight room, treadmill, cardio stuff, and just watching film, being dialed in on the sidelines, talking to guys, and still just finding ways to be involved without actually being in the game.”
Among 76 players defending at least one isolation possession per game this season, minimum games played, Williams ranks sixth in the league in points allowed/possession (0.65). His 56 total deflections this season lead the team. So, when he is not out there guarding full court, the Nets feel it.
“I think his raw effort and energy, it’s always been great for us,” Fernandez said. “We’ve always talked about when there’s an injury, there’s an opportunity for somebody else. So, we want him back. We need him back. But, at the same time, the guys have done a great job. But yeah, his size, versatility, activity, all that energy all over the place. Deflections. He’s been great for us, and we’re excited to have him back at some point.”