Mavs’ Grant Williams ‘Empowered’ By Luka Doncic Respect

Newcomer Grant Williams is excited to play alongside Mavs superstar Luka Doncic, who has his respect.

The Dallas Mavericks should look a lot different heading into the 2023-24 season after an offseason of moves, which included acquiring Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade.

On Friday’s episode of The Old Man & The Three with JJ Redick & Tommy Alter, Williams spoke on joining the Mavericks, including playing alongside Luka Doncic.

“With Luka, he does a great job of no matter when you feel like you’re open, he’s gonna find you,” Williams said. “I’m excited just because he brings so much pressure and attention to himself that he does a good job of getting others involved.”

A player like Williams, who is an efficient knockdown 3-point shooter and is versatile as a screener, will benefit immensely playing alongside the likes of Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who will both draw multiple defenders and create space for others.

“I’m excited for the spacing and being able to knock down shots around him but also being able to crash and create more opportunities,” Williams said. 

Over the last four years, Williams has spent significant time defending Doncic when the Celtics matched up against the Mavs. And when it comes to guarding the best players on the planet, the goal for Williams is not just to get stops, but to gain their respect. 

“I always say with star players especially, if I were to gain your respect in this league, I’d love to get your jersey,” Williams said of swapping jerseys with Doncic. “… I feel like empowerment by your peers and saying you’re good at what you do is more beneficial than anybody else.”

When you gain the respect of Doncic, it means you're likely an impact player. And for Williams and the Mavs, that's a good thing.

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