The Golden State Warriors signed Brandon Williams and Georges Niang within hours of each other last month, but only one of the new duo got at least a partially guaranteed contract.
Based on their production last season, most would assume Williams would have been the one to have his spot on the roster further solidified. Instead, the Warriors gave that security to Niang in a surprise gamble on the veteran forward after he didn't play a single game last season.
Warriors take surprise Georges Niang gamble over Brandon Williams
Williams joins Golden State after a career-best year in Dallas, averaging 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists on over 47% shooting from the floor in his 66 games (15 starts). The 26-year-old should only be on the improve given his age and the confidence from what was his first really full season in the league.
Niang, on the other hand, is potentially on the way down as a 33-year-old a decade into his NBA career. After being incredibly durable over the previous six seasons, Niang didn't play a single game due to a foot injury before being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies in February.
Based on their respective last 12 months, it's fascinating that the Warriors chose to partially guarantee Niang's contract for $1.8 million, while Williams will face the pressure of having to win his roster spot and earning a guaranteed deal with a strong showing in training camp and preseason.
Niang's contract may not be fully guaranteed, but he won't have to worry about his roster spot in preseason considering Golden State are too close to the second apron to waive him, take the cap hit, and sign a different player.
Brandon Williams also fills a bigger need for the Warriors entering season
With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody starting the season on the sidelines, you can understand why the Warriors had interest in signing Niang. However, you could still argue that they need Williams more and that he fills a bigger void on the roster.
Niang will assuredly start the season as the fourth forward option behind Draymond Green, Gui Santos and Yaxel Lendeborg. The veteran sharpshooter is still likely to see minutes in Steve Kerr's rotation, but will likely see less than Williams who appears the backup point guard to a 38-year-old Stephen Curry who's still managing a knee injury.
That only adds to the intrigue of the Warriors prioritizing Niang over Williams when it comes to their payroll and contract situation. There's a strong likelihood that both are on the opening night roster anyway, but it's a gamble given it's Niang who arguably has more to prove following his year on the sidelines.
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