The Golden State Warriors finalized their 15-man rotation on Tuesday with the acquisitions of Georges Niang and Brandon Williams, with the former's arrival particularly raising fascination over how he'll be used in the rotation.
Williams isn't a typical Steve Kerr-type player, but the head coach will quickly realize the former Dallas Mavericks guard can still be valuable if used correctly and in a way that ignores some of the team's recent philosophies.
Steve Kerr has to use Brandon Williams in the right way to be effective
The typical high ball movement, high player movement that Kerr and Golden State implement certainly won't align to Williams' skillset, particularly if you're asking him to play off the ball as a 6'1" guard who's a career 28% 3-point shooter.
If the Warriors use Williams in this manner, it will be quickly judged a disaster and his rotational minutes will be incredibly limited. But for a team that desperately needs an infusion of offense, particularly while Jimmy Butler remains sidelined, it's worth recognizing Williams' strengths and catering towards them.
As much as Williams may have been one of the final two players added to the roster, finding value in him will be determined by Kerr empowering him as the lead ball-handler in non-Stephen Curry minutes, at least until Butler returns from injury.
Kerr might have to go away from his usual system and to a more traditional pick-and-roll approach, allowing Williams to play to his strengths -- blowing by defenders and finishing efficiently around the rim and in the mid-range. As an undersized guard, Golden State will also have to put size around Williams to retain some defensive stability.
Brandon Williams can add what Warriors haven't had since Jordan Poole
There's a chance the Williams signing doesn't work out and ultimately there's a reason the Dallas Mavericks chose to move on from the 26-year-old despite a career-best season. However, on the optimistic side, Williams can add an offensive spark the Warriors have lacked since trading Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards over three years ago.
Williams isn't the perimeter shooter Poole is or was for Golden State, but he does bring speed and shot-making the team has lacked behind Curry at the guard position in recent years. Williams averaged 21.1 points per 36 minutes last season, which would have ranked fourth behind Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and the injured Butler.
Can Kerr and the Warriors harness Williams' skillset to make him an effective player? The answer to that question won't just make-or-break his career with Golden State, but whether he can actually have a career in the league going forward.
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