Grant Williams Takes Disguised Shot at Luka Doncic After Trade

Former Maverick Grant Williams didn't shy away from taking a shot at Luka Doncic and his ex-teammates.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The Dallas Mavericks was one of the busiest teams in the NBA at the trade deadline, making a big splash with the moves to bring in Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. Along with the draft capital, the biggest asset that went out the door for the Mavericks was Grant Williams.

Disappointed in being traded only half a season after signing in Dallas in free agency, Williams took a veiled shot at the Mavericks after his first game with the Charlotte Hornets.

Former Maverick Grant Williams Takes a Veiled Shot at Luka Doncic

Grant Williams was one of the major free agent additions for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023 offseason. He was supposed to provide a two-way ability as a combo big who could guard multiple positions and knock down open shots.

He was exactly that for the Mavs, nothing more nothing less. In fact, his numbers across the board for the Mavericks were directly in line with his final season with the Boston Celtics.

Yet, his fit with the Mavericks always seemed a bit off. He didn't always start or close games. Now, we may have a better idea of why he was dealt so soon after signing with the team despite not necessarily playing poorly.

By emphasizing that "everyone touched the ball", Williams is clearly hinting at Luka Doncic and his tendency to dominate the ball.

Doncic isn't the easiest player to play next to. He will have the ball most of the time he is on the court while the rest of the players are expected to defend and hit threes created by his incredible shot-creation ability. But if you are good at those things, he will make your job the easiest role in the NBA.

Not every player can thrive in an offensive ecosystem like that. Grant Williams clearly wasn't made for it. There is a reason the Boston Celtics didn't want to retain him last summer, either.

Both sides are probably better off now. The Charlotte Hornets have won two straight since acquiring Williams and the Mavericks are on a roll with players who fit better next to Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Luka Doncic has the fourth-best odds to win the MVP award (+1500) this season on FanDuel Sportsbook. If you think he can help the Mavericks go on a run and win his first MVP, head over to FanDuel and claim your $200 in bonus bets when you make a $5 winning wager.

More Mavericks news and rumors:

feed

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.