SAN ANTONIO — Once criticized for his erratic shooting form, Ziaire Williams has transformed his game, turning his refined 3-point shooting into a key asset for the Brooklyn Nets. Previously let go by the Memphis Grizzlies due to his unreliable jumper, Williams has now found a new role where his improved shooting is securing him valuable minutes during crucial game moments.

Historically, Williams struggled with shooting efficiency, consistently falling below the league average. However, as the Nets prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, Williams boasts an impressive 54.5 percent success rate from beyond the arc. This remarkable improvement includes a standout performance in Friday’s home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he sank 6 of his 9 attempts from three-point range.

According to data from Basketball Reference, Williams’ shooting accuracy ranks within the top 10 for players attempting an average of 5.5 three-pointers per game. This marks a significant leap from his earlier struggles and highlights the progress he has made.

Reflecting on his journey, the 24-year-old Williams credited his offseason dedication for his newfound success. “Absolutely, I’ve been working tirelessly this summer,” he shared. “I’ve taken thousands upon thousands of shots, practicing three times a day, focusing on various footwork techniques to hone my skills.”

“Yeah, for sure. I mean, I worked my butt off every day this summer,” Williams, 24, said of his offseason improvement. “You know, thousands and thousands of shots, three times a day, all different footworks.

“There’s not any shot that I shoot in the game that I haven’t worked on. And I’m a true believer in that. The amount of work you put in always comes back and I try to trust God and trust my work. And I’m glad I made some shots [Friday].”

Williams was acquired by the Nets in a salary dump, a former lottery pick and solid defender whose lack of a jumper eventually prompted the Grizzlies to move on.

The Nets were reshaping their roster in the aftermath of dealing Mikal Bridges to the Knicks. Overshadowed by the five first-round picks the Nets got from their rival was Mamadi Diakite on an expiring partial guaranteed deal.

The Nets flipped him to Memphis for a 2030 Dallas second-round pick and Williams.

The fact that Williams’ 34.1 percent from deep last season was a career high should underscore just how far he had to come.

But his defense, energy and youth prompted the rebuilding Nets to hand him a two-year, $12.5 million contract this past offseason, the second season a team option.

Through preseason and two games, they appear to be getting a return on their (modest) investment.

Williams had 25 points off the bench Friday against the Cavaliers, his second-highest scoring game while tying career bests for buckets (nine) and 3-pointers (six).

And he scored 11 points in the fourth quarter alone, as the Nets cut what had been a 25-point deficit to just one before falling just short.

He was a plus-17 in 9:37 logged during that final period, while starter Terance Mann got 3:58.

Cam Thomas is available against the Spurs despite having a nasal fracture.

Drake Powell (right (ankle sprain) and Danny Wolf (left ankle sprain) are out, as is Haywood Highsmith (knee).

“Ziaire was extremely active and was shooting well, so sometimes you got to read the game, and I felt like he needed to be there,” said head coach Jordi Fernández.

The attempt by the Nets to develop a record five first-round picks drew comparisons to his own Brooklyn tenure from Kenny Atkinson.

“I think of Joe Harris. He was a disaster his first year, like, can this guy play in the league? There were a bunch of guys in that bucket,” said Atkinson. “We had the luxury of being able to throw them out there, though. There’s no better development road than that.

“This seems similar here where they’re like, OK, the best way to do this is get these guys in an NBA game and take their lumps and they’ll learn. And then Year 2 they get a little better and then Year 3 you hope you’re in the playoff hunt. I would think that’s the road map.”