History of Ziaire Williams in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

Ziaire Williams is an American professional basketball player known for his versatile wing play and scoring ability. A standout prospect during his youth, he played one season of collegiate basketball at Stanford University before being selected 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, then traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. During his tenure in Memphis, he displayed potential as a perimeter defender and floor spacer. In 2024, Williams was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a roster reorganization. Standing at 6'9", he is valued for his length, athleticism, and shooting upside, though he has faced challenges with consistency and injuries early in his professional career. As a young player, he remains a developmental project, aiming to establish himself as a reliable rotation piece in the NBA.

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Full Timeline

September 12, 2001: Birth of Ziaire Williams

On September 12, 2001, Ziaire Williams Jr. was born, who would eventually grow up to become a professional basketball player in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Last Stanford Triple-Double Prior to 2021

The year 2007 represents the last time a Stanford basketball player recorded a triple-double before Ziaire Williams accomplished the feat again in 2021.

2014: Reid Travis recruitment milestone

In 2014, Reid Travis joined Stanford, marking a significant point in the program's history as a five-star recruit, a standard Ziaire Williams later surpassed in 2020.

January 14, 2019: Los Angeles Daily News Boys Athlete of the Week

On January 14, 2019, Ziaire Williams received the Los Angeles Daily News boys athlete of the week award after achieving two consecutive games where he scored at least 34 points each.

July 18, 2019: Transfer to Sierra Canyon School

On July 18, 2019, Ziaire Williams transferred to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, to play his senior year of high school basketball alongside high-profile recruits including Bronny James and Zaire Wade.

2019: FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup Gold Medal Win

During the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup held in Heraklion, Greece, Ziaire Williams competed for the United States team. Throughout seven games in 2019, he contributed an average of 5.3 points and 1.2 assists, ultimately helping the team secure the gold medal.

March 11, 2020: Buzzer-Beater Victory Against Etiwanda

On March 11, 2020, Ziaire Williams recorded 17 points and secured a 63–61 comeback win for Sierra Canyon against Etiwanda High School by hitting a dramatic buzzer-beater.

April 12, 2020: Commitment to Stanford University

On April 12, 2020, Ziaire Williams announced his decision to play college basketball for Stanford University, choosing them over Arizona, USC, North Carolina, and UCLA. This commitment established him as the highest-ranked recruit in the modern era for the Stanford program.

November 30, 2020: Collegiate Debut for Stanford

On November 30, 2020, Ziaire Williams made his debut for Stanford, contributing 19 points and eight rebounds in an 82–64 victory against Alabama.

January 7, 2021: First Stanford Triple-Double Since 2007

On January 7, 2021, Williams achieved a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists during a 91–75 win over Washington, marking the first such performance by a Stanford player since 2007.

July 29, 2021: 2021 NBA Draft Selection and Trade

On July 29, 2021, Ziaire Williams was selected as the tenth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

January 6, 2022: First NBA Career Start

After a period of absence due to injury and COVID-19 protocols, Ziaire Williams achieved his first career NBA start on January 6, 2022, contributing 14 points and two steals to a victory over the Detroit Pistons.

December 7, 2022: Season Debut for Ziaire Williams

On December 7, 2022, Ziaire Williams made his debut for the 2022–23 season after recovering from a knee injury, contributing four points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals to help secure a 123–102 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

January 22, 2023: Long-Distance Buzzer Beater

During a game on January 22, 2023, Ziaire Williams successfully executed a 79-foot, three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns, releasing the ball from beyond half court just as the third quarter came to an end.

July 19, 2024: Trade to the Brooklyn Nets

On July 19, 2024, Ziaire Williams was officially traded to the Brooklyn Nets, along with a second-round draft pick, in a transaction that sent Mamadi Diakite and the draft rights to Nemanja Dangubić to the opposing team.

June 30, 2025: Contract Extension with the Brooklyn Nets

On June 30, 2025, Ziaire Williams secured his future with the franchise by re-signing with the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year contract valued at $12.5 million.