The Warriors are making a move to bolster their depth, signing guard Nate Williams to a two-way contract. If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, you might know him as Jeenathan Williams - a 6’5” wing who’s been grinding in the G League and now gets another shot at the NBA stage.
Williams has been putting in work with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, and he’s been more than just solid - he’s been producing. Through 35 games, he’s averaged 18.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals in 34 minutes per night.
Those numbers come on efficient shooting: 47.2% from the field and a respectable 36.5% from beyond the arc. That kind of all-around production is exactly what teams look for in a two-way player - someone who can contribute in multiple ways and step in when needed.
This isn’t Williams’ first NBA stint. He spent last season with the Rockets, starting on a two-way deal before earning a standard contract.
He appeared in 20 games for Houston, averaging 3.3 points in limited minutes (7.4 per game) before being waived in the offseason. He also had a brief run with the Trail Blazers the year before, and was with the Lakers during training camp last fall before being waived in October.
What stands out about Williams is his persistence. After going undrafted out of Buffalo in 2022, he’s continued to find ways to stay on the radar - and his G League performance this season made a strong enough case for Golden State to bring him in.
The Warriors had an open two-way slot available after promoting Pat Spencer to the main roster following the trade deadline, so no corresponding move is needed to make room for Williams. It’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for a team that values player development and has a track record of finding contributors in unexpected places.
With his athleticism, defensive instincts, and improved shooting, Williams fits the mold of a player who could carve out a role if given the opportunity. Now, it’s up to him to make the most of it.