Warriors Could Debut Ex-Lakers Wing After Explosive Performance

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Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors could debut Nate Williams during their back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies.

Williams signed a two-way contract with Golden State out of the All-Star break. He made his debut for Santa Cruz in the G League on Sunday and delivered an impressive performance. With the Warriors dealing with multiple injuries and a back-to-back schedule, Williams may see action over the next two games.

What Williams Showed in the G League

GettyNate Williams and Jimmy Butler during a game between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.

Williams put together an efficient two-way performance Sunday against the Rip City Remix.

He finished with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals on 12-of-19 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 from three-point range. Playing 39 minutes, he was a plus-6 in Santa Cruz’s 118-113 victory.

The 27-year-old showed the ability to score at all three levels. He attacked the basket. Knocking down threes came naturally. He made the right passes

Williams is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans. Even if he does not play Tuesday, he could see action Wednesday against the Grizzlies. The Warriors need bodies, and Williams might get his opportunity.

Why Williams Will Get His Chance

The Warriors are thin.

Stephen Curry remains out with runner’s knee. Jimmy Butler is done for the season with a torn ACL. Kristaps Porzingis will miss the road trip after waking up with an illness Sunday. Draymond Green is questionable with lower back soreness.

Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton are both listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game. Neither player has played both games of a back-to-back this season. The Warriors will need to rest at least one of them Tuesday and the other Wednesday.

Golden State had just nine available players for Sunday’s win over the Denver Nuggets. That number could be even lower Tuesday if Green remains out and the Warriors rest Horford or Melton.

Williams provides depth at the wing position. At 6-foot-5, he can defend multiple positions. He can space the floor with his shooting. And he brings energy off the bench.

Williams has appeared in 47 NBA games over three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets. He averaged 3.9 points and 1.1 rebounds on 43.5 percent shooting from the floor during that time. The Los Angeles Lakers signed him in September but waived him before the season started. He is not a star. But he is a professional who can fill minutes when called upon.

What This Means for the Warriors

The Warriors are 30-27 and sit in eighth place in the Western Conference.

They are fighting to stay in the playoff picture while dealing with injuries to key players. Williams will not solve the Warriors’ problems. But he can help absorb minutes during this difficult stretch.

Fellow two-way player Malevy Leons is available for the back-to-back. Young guard LJ Cryer remains in the G League.

The Warriors need to win at least one of the next two games to maintain their playoff positioning. The Pelicans are 16-42 and sit in 14th place in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies are 21-35 and sit in 11th place. Golden State should beat both teams even short-handed, though nothing is guaranteed when missing multiple rotation players.

Williams’ debut may not be glamorous. He will likely play limited minutes off the bench. But his presence gives head coach Steve Kerr another option during a stretch where options are limited.

Final Word for the Warriors

Nate Williams could make his Warriors debut during the back-to-back.

He impressed in his G League debut Sunday with 29 points on efficient shooting. The Warriors need bodies, and Williams provides depth at the wing position.

Golden State is dealing with injuries to Curry, Butler, Porzingis, and Green. Horford and Melton will need to be managed over the back-to-back. That creates a possible opportunity for Williams to see NBA action for the first time this season.

Williams is not going to change the Warriors’ season. But he can help Golden State navigate this difficult stretch.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins