Meet Nate Williams, the Warriors' rising star who's defying all odds to claim a coveted roster spot. But here's where it gets controversial: could this undrafted, four-time waived player be the missing piece Golden State desperately needs? Let’s dive in.
In a league where fatigue and excuses are common, Nate Williams stands out. Imagine playing four games in four consecutive days—a feat that might make him the only NBA player to ever do so. Yet, Williams didn’t just show up; he dominated. After logging 36 minutes for Santa Cruz on Friday, 15 more for the Warriors on Saturday, and another 10 in the G League on Sunday, he still found the energy to out-hustle Kawhi Leonard, securing a long rebound that led to a Pat Spencer three-pointer. And this is the part most people miss: Williams scored 18 points in just 21 minutes, shooting an efficient 5-for-8 from the field, while also guarding Leonard for stretches of the game. Talk about versatility!
Head coach Steve Kerr couldn’t help but praise Williams postgame: “It’s been fun watching him. Young player, live body, can make a shot. He guarded Kawhi at times. Made some very impressive plays.” But Kerr didn’t stop there. He added, “And he just had a baby. Like, right before all that. So, it’s been quite a—I don’t know if I was supposed to say…” A new father, a four-game marathon, and a standout performance? Williams is rewriting the script of what’s possible.
Here’s the kicker: Williams isn’t just a basketball player; he’s a fighter. Raised in the back streets of Rochester, New York, he credits his fearlessness to his faith and his roots. “I fear God,” he said. “And I’m from Rochester, New York. In the back streets. If you go to my neighborhood, you’d know why I’m this way.” This mindset isn’t just talk—it’s evident in his play. When asked about facing Leonard, Williams declared, “He’s a great player, but he bleeds just like I bleed. I don’t fear no challenge.”
Williams’ journey to the Warriors hasn’t been easy. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Buffalo, he’s been waived four times, playing for the Blazers, Rockets, and their G League affiliates. But since signing a two-way deal with Golden State over the All-Star break, he’s been on fire. In his first two games for Santa Cruz, he scored a total of 55 points, and his 18-point showcase against the Clippers was just the icing on the cake. Even Al Horford noticed, praising Williams’ defensive ability, offensive rebounding, and three-point shooting: “He knows who he is, and that’s always a good thing, because you can use guys like that to bring that energy and toughness to our group.”
But here’s the million-dollar question: Can Williams secure the Warriors’ vacant 15th roster spot? With injuries plaguing Golden State—Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, Jimmy Butler, and others sidelined—Williams has been thrown into the fire. And he’s not just surviving; he’s thriving. As Kerr and the coaching staff continue to test him, Williams remains grateful, calling the opportunity a “blessing.” “I just go out there and play my game,” he said. “I let the chips fall where they fall. God already planted the seed, I’m just doing the work.”
So, what do you think? Is Nate Williams the real deal, or is this just a fleeting moment of brilliance? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re craving more Bay Area sports insights, don’t forget to sign up for the Section 415 email newsletter here and subscribe to the “Section 415” podcast here. The debate is just getting started!
