Mavericks' hyped guard battle finally gives Kidd a clear answer he can't ignore

The Dallas Mavericks have had an up-and-down start to the season, losing three of their first five games. Injuries and team chemistry have been the main issues. Not to mention, with Kyrie Irving out to start the season, the team is still trying to figure out its backcourt rotation. Two players important to the guard depth are Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams.

If you recall, earlier in the week, coach Jason Kidd mentioned a possible minute battle between Nembhard and Williams. Kidd reiterated that the team was trying to decide which player they wanted to give early minutes to. This was important because, as mentioned, the Mavs are short-handed and really needed one of the two guards to step up.

However, it seems one of the players has made Kidd's decision a whole lot easier. Brandon Williams appears to have a clear edge in the race, winning Kidd's trust. He made a huge statement on Wednesday when he helped take over the offense and solidify himself as one of the top guards on the roster.

Brandon Williams has officially won Jason Kidd's trust

Last season, Williams had a breakout year for the Mavs. He was an important part of the team's rotation during the second half of the season, as injuries began to pile up. He helped solidify a contract with Dallas, and his fast-paced playstyle made him an instant fan favorite. Williams averaged 16.6 points and 26 minutes per game in March, making it hard for Kidd to bench him.

Fast forward to now, and it seems Williams is again earning valuable minutes and is the clear leader in the race mentioned above. On Wednesday, he had one of his best performances, as it was obvious he was the leader in Kidd's rotation.

Williams scored 20 points and had seven rebounds in 22 minutes against the Indiana Pacers. He was the Mavs' leading scorer, as he did a great job attacking the rim and converting his mid-range opportunities. It was a game Williams desperately needed, too, as he hadn't seen any action since the Mavs' game on Friday, October 24.

Nembhard, on the other hand, hasn't played since Sunday, October 26. He played in just two minutes Sunday and was a non-factor in the Mavericks' first win of the season. In the game before, Nembhard struggled in 10 minutes of action. He shot 25 percent from the field and failed to help move the Mavs' offense.

However, things seemed promising in the Mavs' season opener when he dropped eight points, five assists, and shot 60 percent. Since then, Kidd has hardly played Nembhard, and it seems that trend may continue after Williams' breakout performance.

Williams again has made it hard for Kidd not to play him. He proved on Wednesday that he can help hold down the Mavs' offense in Irving's absence. Basically, Williams is one solution to the Mavs' guard woes. He can play valuable minutes and be a spark off the bench whenever his name is called. His performance against the Pacers proved he can replicate his success from last season.

So, all Kidd needs to do is let Brandon Williams play. Simply, let him play the game his way, and don't be afraid to play him 20 minutes or more per game. He showed on Wednesday the type of success he can have when given the opportunity. Plus, Williams already won the coach's guard battle, so that should be enough to win Kidd's support and time.