Brandon Williams is small, shoots poorly from distance, will struggle on defense and might be the answer to an issue that has cost the Warriors in recent seasons.Williams brings the kind of dazzling quickness Golden State has lacked since Jordan Poole’s lamentable exit three years ago. Though he doesn’t have Poole’s comprehensive offensive skills, Williams is an asset because he has the speed to get to the rim as a matter of routine.
That was plainly evident Sunday during the Warriors’ 104-101 loss to the LA Clippers at the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawaii. It was an utterly defective performance by both teams, as is typical for an NBA preseason opener, but Williams’ Golden State debut was among the encouraging elements.
“We haven’t had anybody like Brandon here since I’ve been here,” coach Steve Kerr told reporters in Honolulu. “Just the on-ball speed and the ability to get into transition . . . he’s a real weapon.”
Playing 16 minutes off the bench, Williams submitted 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and a team-best plus-16. The 6-foot-1...