Nearly two months after being traded to the Charlotte Hornets, Grant Williams has opened up about his brief tenure with the Dallas Mavericks.
Speaking to The Athletic's Jared Weiss, Williams admitted he "didn't necessarily come in the most prepared" after joining the Mavs in a sign-and-trade deal last offseason:
"I think it's not that things didn't work. I just think that I take most of the credit down there that I should have performed better. I think that as much as they relied on me and everything else, I didn't necessarily come in the most prepared. But at the same time, I do believe that I still have great relationships with everybody there and I think that those guys are bound for something special in their growth."
Williams was expected to be a key addition for Dallas coming off a successful four-season run with the Boston Celtics. He was a strong 3-and-D wing for the Celtics who was brought in to improve a Mavericks' defense that finished 24th in rating during the 2022-23 campaign.
There was also hope that Williams, who shot 40.3 percent from three on 3.5 attempts per game over his final two seasons in Boston, would be able to provide another capable shooter alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
Instead, Williams' performance went down with the Mavs. He was averaging 8.1 points per game, tied for his career-high, but it was on 41.3 percent shooting (37.6 percent from three-point range).
After the Mavs traded Williams to the Hornets prior to the trade deadline on Feb. 8, ESPN's Tim MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective podcast he "rubbed people" in Dallas the wrong way and "didn't report in good shape" at the start of the season.
Williams disputed the notion he wasn't in good condition, but did tell Weiss the reports that he talks too much are "probably the one thing I think is true."
The Hornets have provided Williams with an opportunity to correct himself. He's had to take on a bigger role because of injuries to Cody Martin and Nick Richards. The 25-year-old is averaging 13.8 points on 49.8 percent shooting and 5.2 rebounds per game in 24 appearances since the trade.
Getting back on track this season has opened up plenty of possibilities for Williams going into the offseason. The Hornets may look at him as a young wing player who can score with defensive upside who they can use to build around their core.
If the Hornets want to add future assets, Williams would likely be a nice trade chip for the franchise. He's signed through the 2026-27 and won't make more than $14.3 million in any season of his current contract.
