Nate Williams Embracing Preseason Opportunity with Houston Rockets: 'Every Game Counts'

Williams provided the short-handed Rockets a significant boost off the bench during their 117-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

HOUSTON — Jeenathan "Nate" Williams Jr. isn't worried about making the Houston Rockets' 15-man roster for the 2023-24 season. But each time coach Ime Udoka calls upon his number, the 6-foot-5 forward has only two goals, "playing aggressively" and "doing whatever to help the team win."

"Every play and every game counts," Udoka said. "You never know when your opportunity is going to come. You are playing for not only us but for other teams. I've been in that position several times throughout my career. Just continue to be ready. Every opportunity is a chance to catch some eyes and look good in front of other people."

Williams provided the short-handed Rockets a significant boost off the bench during their 117-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Inside the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Williams scored a preseason-high 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting. He also added eight rebounds and a steal in 23 minutes.

Udoka described Williams as a "spark" off the bench. But his performance against the Spurs was an example of the adversity he had to overcome since playing an average of 9.1 minutes during his freshman season at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

"For me, it's all about playing well," Williams said. "I put in a ton of work all my life and this summer. I am not worried about making the team because I know somebody will find me if I am not here. It's all about playing the right way."

Williams has since gone undrafted following the 2022 NBA Draft. A successful G League stint with the Salt Lake City Stars led to Williams closing the 2022-23 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he appeared in five games while averaging 10.6 points on 61.5 percent shooting from the field.

Rockets guard Nate Williams shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie / Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Each milestone Williams reached on his way to a training camp contract with the Rockets resulted in lessons learned from coaches and peers. Since arriving in Houston, Williams said every player on the roster has taken the time to share advice.

But his most significant mentor came during his lone season with the Stars, where Tyler Cook taught him the importance of timing.

"He taught me a lot about the NBA and how it's an up-and-down process," Williams said. "How things really happen on its own timing and not your timing..."It has always been about perseverance. It has made me stronger as a person. I have the belief that I can get through anything with God and my family behind me."

The Rockets have not talked with Williams about remaining on the roster. But Friday's preseason finale against the Miami Heat will give Williams a chance to take advantage of another opportunity on an NBA court.

When he steps onto the floor of the Toyota Center, his top objective will be to help the Rockets end their five-game preseason schedule on a positive note while embodying Udoka's philosophy that "every opportunity is golden."

"He is a natural and fluent scorer," Udoka said. "He is a guy that gives us a burst. He can play with many different lineups. And since he has come in, he has been one of the better guys with our second and third unit."