Dallas Mavericks: Re-signing Brandon Williams is a Must for Kyrie Irving's Backup
As Kyrie Irving gears up for another season with the Dallas Mavericks, the team faces a crucial decision: securing a reliable backup for their star point guard. With Irving turning 34, the Mavericks can't expect him to shoulder the load for 48 minutes every game. Enter Brandon Williams, a promising young guard who could be the perfect fit.
The Mavericks have two talented options in Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams, but the focus should be on re-signing Williams. While Nembhard offers steady playmaking, Williams brings a dynamic skill set that closely mirrors Irving's style. This summer, Dallas must prioritize retaining Williams, who has significantly increased his value during his stint with the team.
Williams, at 26, is entering the prime of his career. Despite being just 6-foot-2, he's one of the league's most aggressive attackers.
His exceptional dribbling, defensive prowess, and mid-range efficiency make him a standout. Although he doesn’t match Irving’s shooting and playmaking, Williams has benefited from Irving's mentorship, honing skills that complement Dallas' needs.
If Williams remains within Dallas' budget, he should be the go-to option as the primary backup. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and contribute across the board makes him more versatile than Nembhard, aside from playmaking and three-point shooting. Williams' decision-making has improved, and with a bit more consistency from beyond the arc, he could become one of the top backup guards in the league.
While Williams may never replicate Irving's off-dribble shooting, enhancing his open-shot accuracy would make him an even greater threat, forcing defenders to respect his range. Ideally, Dallas would retain both Nembhard and Williams, but Williams' overall contributions make him the preferred choice for backing up Irving.
Nembhard will still have his moments, especially against certain matchups, but his struggles against lengthier wings highlight Williams' reliability. With Irving's scoring and playmaking keeping defenses on their toes, Williams can maintain the pressure when he enters the game, targeting slower defenders with his speed and agility.
Currently sidelined with a concussion, Williams has the opportunity to finish the season on a high note, strengthening his case for re-signing. His return and performance will be critical as the Mavericks weigh their options heading into free agency.