Mavs Training Camp Preview: Can Grant Williams Transform Dallas' Defense?

The offseason acquisition of Grant Williams should bolster the versatility on both ends of the floor for the Mavericks.

After a long, active offseason, the Dallas Mavericks kick off training camp next week ahead of the 2023-24 regular season. 

One huge acquisition for the Mavs this summer was landing forward Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics, as Williams signed a four-year, $54 million deal with Dallas.

In the three-team deal with Boston, Dallas, and San Antonio, the Mavericks also received two future second-round picks while the Spurs received Reggie Bullock and a pick swap in 2030 with Dallas, and the Celtics got multiple second-round picks.

In 79 games last season, Williams averaged career-high numbers across the board with 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range in 26 minutes per game.

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What Williams brings to the Mavs that they didn't have last season is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions at a high level. With his bulky frame, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Williams' ability to positively affect his team's defense and game plan will be huge for Dallas. After trading Dorian Finney-Smith last season, those attributes were lacking on the defensive end.

But, it's not just on the defensive end where Williams can leave a positive impact on the Mavericks, as his versatility is showcased on offense as well. Williams proved to be a consistent knockdown shooter last season, shooting just under 40 percent from downtown while having the ability to be a proficient screen setter and secondary playmaker.

As Dallas heads into training camp, Williams should bring a new energy and intensity to the floor for the Mavs that was evidently lacking last season while also adding a new element to Jason Kidd's offensive sets.

Williams is almost surely slated to be Dallas’ starting power forward going into the new season, and with more empowerment within the Mavs' system playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the former Celtic should flourish in his new role with the Mavericks.

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