In a highly anticipated move, Grant Williams joined the Mavericks through a sign-and-trade deal with the Celtics this summer. Set to team up with basketball sensations Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Williams recently discussed his vision for his role in Dallas.
During an episode of JJ Redick’s Old Man & The Three podcast, the 24-year-old power forward expressed his enthusiasm for embracing a versatile role. Williams aims to make a significant impact as a defensive stalwart, guarding the best players while bringing high-energy plays to the team.
“Yeah, in a perfect world, in the role that I star in, it looks like being a versatile defender on the defensive end, guarding the best player, high impact energy guy, but also being able to be a part of the offense and utilized well because not only the spot-up threes and everything like that are great,” he said, via Paolo Songco of ClutchPoints.
Moreover, Williams sees himself as an essential contributor on the offensive end. He envisions excelling in various actions, such as hitting a pick-and-pop game, executing handoffs to Doncic or Irving, and being a playmaker at the rim.
“But I feel like the progression that I’ve made has been a lot of within actions where that’s hitting a role, pick and pop game, and being involved and be able to get actions where you can play with hit me,” Williams continued. “And then either fake the handoff or be able to hand off to one of the better guys like Kyrie or Luka and then screen and roll or make a play at the rim. I feel like that’s probably the best role that I’m in currently just because that’s kind of the skill set that I’ve progressed with and worked on not only in Boston but elsewhere.”
As Williams reflects on his growth and skill development, he recognizes that his current skill set aligns perfectly with his desired role in Dallas. His ability to adapt and work on refining his skills throughout his time in Boston and beyond has prepared him to thrive alongside the Mavericks’ star-studded roster.
