2021 NBA Mock Draft — 23. Ziaire Williams, Houston Rockets
The Rockets should swing for upside, upside, and more upside, with no real hurry to contend. Evan Mobley can anchor both ends of the floor, but Ziaire Williams provides some juice on the perimeter. Kevin Porter Jr. flourished with Houston last season, but color me skeptical as far as his future in the No. 1-scoring role. Williams is not that — a No. 1 scorer — but he has the potential to become one, if things break right.
Williams’ freshman season at Stanford was derailed by injuries and inconsistency alike. The five-star recruit was once considered a top-10 lock, but is now primed to fall into Houston’s lap. If he does, he still has all the tools that made him a beloved prospect in high school — silky 6-foot-9 frame with a smooth jump shot and tantalizing athletic potential.
If Williams can boost his efficiency and master the pull-up game, his size alone will make him a difficult player to stop. He can handle the ball on the perimeter, and he’s not a bad passer. He’s not ready to carry the burden of a lead scorer, but the base-level tools are there. Houston has time to plant seeds and let them grow.