With Stephen Curry 38-years-old and dealing with a lingering knee issue, the Golden State Warriors entered the offseason acknowledging that they needed another scoring option in the backcourt.
Former Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons appeared to be their number one option to fill that void in free agency, but they’ve wound up finding a cheaper alternative in Brandon Williams who could have a major role behind Curry entering the season.
Brandon Williams can be a cheaper Anfernee Simons alternative
Simons would’ve been an ideal option for Golden State considering he’s a far greater three-point shooting threat than Williams, yet the latter also has more downhill speed and can provide the kind of paint touches that the team will otherwise lack in the absence of injured six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler.
Their respective production last season wasn’t a whole lot different as both took on primary roles off the bench. Williams averaged a career height 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists, only just shaded by Simons' 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists across stints with the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.
Missing out on Simons might prove a blessing in disguise for the Warriors if Williams can prove an effective backup point guard in the rotation. Golden State have got the former Dallas Mavericks guard on a non-guaranteed minimum contract as opposed to Simons who got a two year, $12.3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Golden State landing Williams instead of Simons allowed them to preserve the taxpayer mid-level exception for De’Anthony Melton who they brought back on a two year, $12.4 million deal. Not only are Williams and Melton linked as part of the initial Simons pursuit, but they have a historical connection as former high school teammates.
Warriors hope Williams-Melton combo can outperform Anfernee Simons
In an ideal world, the Warriors would’ve brought Melton back while signing Simons to a minimum contract. That was ultimately unrealistic and now they’ll be hoping that the combination of Melton and Williams can outperform what Simons produces with the 76ers.
That seems likely given the backseat role Simons will have to take in Philadelphia, with the 27-year-old potentially regretting his move given he’ll now be at best the sixth option on an ultra-talented 76ers roster.
Simons was one of the many what ifs for the Warriors this offseason, but they may end up being comfortable with the combination of Melton and Williams who will need to step up and play well to bolster an offense that ranked 19th in the league last season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google