Under-the-radar signing could fill Golden State Warriors 14th roster spot

With veteran centers like Dwight Howard, Derrick Favors and Dewayne Dedmon now off the radar, the Golden State Warriors will enter training camp on October 2 with the priority of adding an extra wing according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.

Warrior General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. confirmed on Monday that between 40-50 free agents had come in for workouts during the offseason, including veteran wings Will Barton, Kent Bazemore and Rodney McGruder.

A young under-the-radar signing may seize the Golden State Warriors’ vacant 14th roster spot above veteran alternatives.

Although Golden State have seemingly prioritized a win-now approach with their moves this offseason, that may not necessarily maintain for the 14th roster spot.

In discussing the Warriors’ upcoming training camp battle for the vacant position, Slater specifically mentioned 22-year-old wing Donovan Williams as a potential option.

"“Williams was really impressive (in offseason scrimmages), there’s a reason he made it into camp…That is a wing that will be in camp that’s like 6’6” with a seven-foot wingspan, Slater said on the ‘Warriors Plus Minus’ podcast."

Williams has less than five minutes of on-court NBA experience, having appeared in two games with the Atlanta Hawks while on a two-way contract at the end of last season. He played 32 total games in the G League in 2022-23, averaging 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.

Williams was waived by the Hawks in June but suited up for the Washington Wizards in Summer League, playing alongside former Warriors Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins. He would average 7.3 points on 40% from the floor and just 12.5% from deep, also adding three rebounds and 1.5 assists in his 17.7 minutes per game.

The 6’6″ shooting guard had three years of collegiate experience before going undrafted in 2022. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 27 games for UNLV during his junior year.

While Williams will battle with other training camp invites for the 14th roster spot, perhaps it’s more likely they add him to a two-way deal alongside Lester Quinones and the recently acquired Usman Garuba.