How Grant Williams will help Mavericks on both ends and his 2 legendary idols

After officially joining the Dallas Mavericks via a three-team sign and trade with the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics, Grant Williams has been vocal regarding his excitement to join this Mavericks roster.

It’s no secret that this Mavericks roster sorely lacked versatility at the wing position, as well as switchable defenders after finishing 38-44 last season with a pitiful (near league-worst) 26th-ranked defensive rating of 118.4 post-All-Star break.

Williams will certainly look to mend some of the issues that caused that.

Grant Williams will fill substantial need for Mavericks after trade

While the Mavericks had a flurry of defensive issues to address this offseason with Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure in the Kyrie Irving trade right before the All-Star break, the most important was restoring the switchable wing defense and versatility Finney-Smith brought to the table.

Couple this with Reggie Bullock’s departure to the Spurs, and the Mavericks would be razor-thin in terms of their wing depth without the addition of Williams.

After being a serviceable rotational wing off the bench behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the past four seasons in Boston, he will be relied upon more heavily in a more significant role, but the writing is on the wall for him to step up and start for the Mavericks at the wing/forward spot.

In an interview with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Williams spoke glowingly of Charles Barkley and Draymond Green in regard to the dynamism they brought to both sides of the ball as bigger forwards.

"I’ve always looked up to guys who are like me, guys who look to impact winning by doing a little bit of everything. Draymond Green and Charles Barkley are two names that come to mind right away. A guy who has embraced their mold and a 6’6” guy who can guard multiple positions defensively and compete at the highest level possible on the offensive end as well in terms of passing, scoring, you name it."

- Grant Williams