Discover the overlooked guard elevating Mavericks' offense. Years of grinding have positioned Brandon Williams as a critical, impactful rotation player.
In a Dallas Mavericks season full of headline-grabbing stars (sometimes for better and sometimes for worse), Brandon Williams is quietly making a significant impact. Many fans and analysts think he deserves more recognition.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, he picks who he thinks is every NBA team's "hidden gem". For the Mavs, he believes that Williams is that guy.
"Brandon Williams has worked his way into becoming an NBA rotation player following years of 10-day and two-way contracts," Swartz writes. "The 26-year-old has been a rare bright spot for the Dallas Mavericks this season in a number of roles... The Mavs' offense scores 6.8 more points per 100 possessions with Williams on the floor this season. If he can improve his three-point shooting, Williams should get a nice raise in free agency this summer."
Williams’ journey to this point has been far from ordinary. After years of navigating the NBA fringe, he’s finally carved out a steady role in the Mavericks’ rotation. That progression alone is impressive, but it’s what he’s done once given consistent minutes that truly stands out.
In his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged just under 13 points in 25 games played, but struggled to find a consistent spot since then. And Dallas has become that place.
At 26 years old, Williams has shown he can be more than just a bench piece. In his 12 starts this season, he’s put up eye-catching numbers, averaging 14 points, just under rebounds, five assists, and just over a steal per game. Those are not typical role-player stats — they’re indicative of someone capable of shouldering real responsibility on both ends of the floor.
A talent like Williams doesn’t just fill a box score — he brings versatility. He’s an alert passer, a willing defender, and his energy often sets the tone for Dallas’ second units. While his three-point shot hasn't yet become a consistent weapon, improvements there could elevate his role even further and make him a coveted free-agency asset next summer.
Among a Mavericks roster filled with elite scorers and big names, Williams is easy to overlook — but that’s exactly why he’s a “hidden gem.” He’s the type of player teams need in today’s NBA: smart, competitive, and impactful in ways that traditional stats sometimes undersell.
For Mavericks fans who appreciate more than star power — those who value the glue guys, the spark plug performers, and smart two-way players — Williams is exactly the kind of talent worth watching and respecting.