Mavericks' first free agency move couldn't be more obvious with youngster's breakout

The Dallas Mavericks are in the most wretched catacomb they could find themselves in through 65 games this season, as Dallas’ season continues to see no end to their destruction. In Sunday afternoon’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Mavericks fell to just seven total players in the contest, as Dallas is so depleted from an injury perspective that they are on the precipice of having to forfeit a game if they lose another player or two. 

Dallas’ injury report versus the San Antonio Spurs this evening will be intriguing with all the deficiencies to Dallas’ roster, and even though the Spurs are struggling themselves right now with Victor Wembanyama out for the season, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see San Antonio extend Dallas’ losing streak to six games tonight.

One of the more notable bright spots in this recent stretch of despair for the Mavericks is none other than Brandon Williams, but the Mavericks unfortunately may be without Williams’ services in their game versus San Antonio as well.

Mavs must lock in Brandon Williams with a multi-year deal this summer

Williams unfortunately suffered left hamstring tightness some time in the second half last night, as he was ruled out of the entire fourth quarter after scoring 13 points on 5-10 shooting, grabbing five rebounds, dishing five assists, and prying away three steals in 24 minutes of action.

Hopefully Williams’ injury isn’t severe enough for him to miss multiple games for the Mavericks, as it goes without saying that Dallas needs any help they can get at the moment. However, Williams’ ascension in Dallas’ rotation recently has prompted some bigger questions around Dallas’ guard rotation. With Williams objectively playing better than Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy recently, particularly in the last three games, Dallas’ first free agent move this summer should be seemingly obvious.

Especially with the Mavericks' general lack of guard depth with Kyrie Irving bound to miss some time next season, Dallas should sign Williams to a multi-year deal once this summer rolls around.

Williams may not have always gotten the biggest opportunity through his season-and-a-half with the Mavericks thus far, but he’s always showcased efficient three-level scoring anytime he’s in the game regardless of situation.

Williams led the G League in scoring this season when he played, and the evolution of his 3-point shot this season has made him a much larger offensive threat as a hooper. Evidenced by his three steals last night as well, Williams is a wiry defender that competes at a high level despite only being 6-foot-2, and he’s likely a better defender than both Dinwiddie and Hardy.

The Mavericks will need to monitor Williams’ situation carefully going forward, as his two-way contract denotes that he can only play in nine of Dallas’ remaining 17 games this season due to already having been active for 41 games this season.

This problem could solve itself if Williams missed more time than expected due to this hamstring injury, but with Dallas’ playoff hopes virtually in the dumpster, now would be a better time than ever for Kidd to completely let the reins loose on Williams when it comes to putting the ball in his hands.

Williams is a very complete player for a guard his size, and after scoring 31 points in Dallas’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, fans are now seeing the potential productivity that was buried in Dallas’ rotation for the longest time due to being on a two-way contract.

“Unfortunately he got hurt this afternoon, but he’s playing at a high level,” Kidd said following the loss to Phoenix on Sunday. “He knows how to use his speed, his ability to score, and finding his teammates is [something] he’s doing at a high level right now.”

Clearly, Kidd admired Williams’ readiness and how he’s stepped into a starting role with no questions asked, and it’s without a doubt the Mavericks should snag Williams on a cheap multi-year deal this summer while he still isn’t a widely known commodity, as the 25-year-old guard is easily good enough to make a name for himself elsewhere if Dallas doesn’t come to their senses on this.