5 Reasons why every Mavericks fan will love Grant Williams

2. Instantly the team's best defender

Grant Williams has made one thing clear throughout his career - defense. Defense has become his calling card, as he has been asked to guard the likes of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, and Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

Williams constantly uses his 236-pound figure to bully opposing players into taking bad fadeaway shots when in the low post. He also has the ability to defend in space, as he uses his lateral quickness to catch up to offensive players, often forcing them to pass out of pressure.

The 24-year-old is also a very switchable defender, as he can guard multiple positions. This will be very useful for head coach Jason Kidd, as he will likely have Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the floor at the same time. Having Williams behind these two will prevent opposing players from getting their preferred switch onto a weaker defender.

Williams will now step into a role in Dallas where he will be asked to become the team-leading defender and likely take over the role former Maverick Dorian Finney-Smith played before being traded in the Irving deal.

With Williams on the roster, the Mavericks will have a new primary defensive presence leading the way on that end of the court.