Answer to Mavericks' Kyrie Irving problem is clear thanks to Nico Harrison

The Dallas Mavericks blew the doors off an undermanned Toronto Raptors team in a late-season contest on Friday night, as Anthony Davis nearly had a quadruple-double for the Mavericks en route to a 124-102 victory. While the Mavericks needed to take care of business against such a lesser opponent in possibly their last home game of the season, this game was much needed for Dallas from a morale standpoint after the absolute abomination that Luka Doncic's 45-point return was on Wednesday.

Davis' gaudy control of both sides of this game was the driving force for Dallas to bring this one home, but the return of Brandon Williams was nearly equally instrumental in changing the dynamic of the game for the Mavericks. Williams hadn't played since March 29 versus the Chicago Bulls after losing eligibility on his two-way contract because of being active for 50 games on the year, but Dallas quickly opted to sign Williams to a multi-year deal when they had space free up on April 10.

While the Mavericks and President of Basketball Operations Nico Harrison shouldn't have a whole lot to feel good about currently, Harrison and the organization should have an extreme vote of confidence in their decision to give Williams this deal. Williams had been lingering at the back half of Dallas' roster on a two-way deal for nearly a season-and-a-half, and many organizations would see his developmental window coming to a close at age 25, but Harrison and the Mavericks rewarded a great talent who cashed in on his opportunity in this instance.

Brandon Williams will be part of the solution to Dallas' Kyrie Irving issue

Williams has obviously seen an elevated role post-Doncic trade and especially after Kyrie Irving's torn ACL, but he's taken advantage of his opportunity in a way that fans rarely see with two-way signees, as Williams has consistently looked like a starting-caliber or sixth-man level guard throughout the entire last month with increased minutes. He's been so efficient that it's now worth considering if he could hold down the fort as Dallas' starting point guard until Irving returns.

This would be conducive to if Dallas drafts another great guard in this year's draft or if they make some sort of other offseason addition at guard, but Williams is undoubtedly Dallas' best healthy guard currently, and he's seemingly was buried in the rotation too long for fans to not make this realization until very recently.

Throughout the month of March, Williams averaged 16.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game with shooting splits of 54.1/34.3/88.6 in only 26.0 minutes per game. This was easily his best month as a pro and was a culmination of all the hard work he's put in the G-League and with the Texas Legends over the last handful of seasons.

Despite being roughly 6-foot-2, Williams doesn't back down from any challenge from a defensive standpoint and uses his wiry frame and quickness to supplement for his lack of height, almost in a similar sense but not quite to the elite level that Irving has proven with his defensive IQ at times. Williams hustles for rebounds and loose balls consistently, and while not as much of a midrange maestro as Irving, many of his offensive tendencies reflect the potential tutelage/influence of Irving as well.

"Yeah, I think being around Kai here has elevated his game, and then also just the work that he's put in. His patience, understanding what we're asking him to do, and he, you know, he stepped in with all the injuries, and did a great job and earned that contract. It just wasn't given to him. He earned it. And so to have him back tonight, his speed, his ability to get in the paint, and then his playmaking was good. But also, as you bring up his finishing, being able to finish, I think he has studied Kai a little bit and has taken a page out of his book."

Jason Kidd in postgame press conference

Williams has said Irving was one of his favorite players growing up, and it's clearly reflected in his playstyle, even though Williams certainly has his own unique twist to his game. Williams has been pushing the pace relentlessly in transition for Dallas, and the addition of another ball handler that can make plays in the pick-and-roll and off-the-dribble was something that was missed terribly over the last few games until Williams' return on Friday night.,

In only 22 minutes against the Raptors on Friday, Williams had 17 points on 7-8 shooting from the field as well as three assists, a block, and a steal. Even though he didn't start and played a little into garbage time for his first game back in almost two weeks, Williams didn't skip a beat, and this game probably showcased the most impressive array of finishes he's had around the rim out of any game in a Mavericks uniform thus far.

While the offseason comes with many uncertainties, Williams should be Dallas' first guard off the bench at the bare minimum at the start of next season given Irving's injury, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Jason Kidd give him the starting role in this next game or in some postseason action given how complementary Kidd has been of Williams recently.