The Golden State Warriors have benefited from the Dallas Mavericks’ gamble on Kyrie Irving this offseason, officially signing 26-year-old guard Brandon Williams to a one-year, $2.6 million contract on Tuesday after weeks of speculation.
Irving’s return from a torn ACL allowed the Mavericks to move on from Williams despite a career-best season, but they now lack a proven backup point guard behind the 34-year-old who hasn’t appeared in a game for nearly 18 months.
Warriors benefit from Mavericks gamble on Kyrie Irving
Williams stepped into a big role with Irving on the sidelines last season, start 15 games and averaging over 22 minutes where he posted 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 47.2% from the floor.
Dallas also had rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard who started 27 games and averaged nearly 20 minutes last season, but he’s also been moved on after being dealt to Atlanta in the three-team trade that sent Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks and brought former first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.
Rather than bringing back Williams, the Mavericks are seemingly putting their faith in 25th overall pick Sergio De Larrea to play minutes behind Irving. The Spanish 20-year-old looks an exciting prospect, but it’s a gamble given Irving’s age and return from a long-term injury.
Dallas also acquired fourth-year guard Marcus Sasser from the Detroit Pistons in an earlier offseason trade, but the 25-year-old averaged only 5.2 points and 2.0 assists last season on 39% shooting from the floor.
Brandon Williams can make Mavericks regret their decision
Instead of playing backup to Irving, Williams now gets the opportunity to play the role behind another veteran star in Stephen Curry. Given Golden State will be looking to manage their 38-year-old franchise superstar throughout a long regular season, Williams should have perfect chance to make the Mavericks regret their decision.
That chance should come instantly too with Jimmy Butler to start the season on the sidelines recovering from his own torn ACL. Without the six-time All-Star to anchor the non-Curry minutes, the Warriors will assuredly need Williams' shot-making and bounce off the dribble as they look to improve an offense that ranked 19th in the league last season.
In many ways Williams will get a better opportunity than he would have in Dallas had they re-signed him, while Golden State will be hoping there's an extra ounce of motivation in the California native after being discarded despite his impact last season.
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