Mavs Vision for Grant Williams: Dorian Finney-Smith Replacement?
DALLAS — After failing to make the postseason, the Dallas Mavericks, led by GM Nico Harrison and company, knew they needed to make some major changes around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The first order of business was to upgrade defensive personnel after finishing last season ranked 25th in defensive rating and 30th in total rebounding percentage.
While the Mavs already had a major need to add a rim protector, the team's need for defensive wings was exacerbated by including Dorian Finney-Smith in the midseason trade to acquire Irving from the Brooklyn Nets. After the move, the Mavs slid Reggie Bullock — who weighs about 20 pounds less than Finney-Smith — to the four, making the team's entire starting unit around Doncic and Irving undersized.
The Mavs added Grant Williams on a four-year, $54 million contract using a sign-and-trade that included the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. Williams is coming off a season with the Celtics averaging 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 79 games.
During NBA Summer League, Keith Smith of Spotrac spoke to an anonymous member of the Mavs, who expressed a belief that Williams will replace Finney-Smith's 3-and-D skill-set, while adding a dimension to the offense as a passer.
“Grant (Williams) is going to help replace what we lost in Dorian Finney-Smith. He can shoot and defend, and we need guys like that. We’re also excited about his ability as a passer too," Smith wrote. "That’s something our other bigs don’t really do, so it adds a new dimension to our offense.”
There are some key differentiating factors when comparing Finney-Smith and Williams, at least as far as defensive impact is concerned. The near 7-foot wingpsan and agility and that Finney-Smith possesses makes him better equipped to chase smaller guards around screens and contain out in space. Meanwhile, Williams' bigger frame enables him to better handle bigger wings and play small ball five.
It also needs to be accounted for that Williams is an all-around more talented offensive player than Finney-Smith. Williams is a more capable threat to attack closeouts and to make passing reads. With the Mavs needing to keep opposing defenses honest in 4-on-5 situations, and when attacking within the flow of the offense, Williams will be a greater threat than Finney-Smith to help them do just that.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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