How Grant Williams Rediscovered His Low-Post Game

Since returning home to play for his hometown team via trade, Grant Williams has looked rejuvenated after a difficult start to the season in Dallas. Williams has brought his usual brand of physicality, toughness, outside shooting and vocal leadership, that was all to be expected. What wasn’t on the menu, is an intriguing post game which only the most staunch College basketball fans will remember from his Tennessee days.

During Williams’ senior year, he led the Volunteers in scoring (18.8) and rebounding (7.5) rebounds. The foundation of his offensive game was built around an advanced low-post game that made up 30% of his offensive plays, in which he ranked in the 97^th percentile in scoring efficiency. Not only was he a threat to score, but Williams averaged 3.2 assists per game, finding weakside shooters and cutters all from the low block.

After being drafted 22^nd overall in the 2019 draft to the Boston Celtics, Williams deserted his post-game and transformed into a 3&D forward. With the Charlotte injury bug continuing to bite Head Coach Steve Clifford, he has been forced to look for new sources of offense, enter Grant Williams. Clifford is now posting Grant Williams at a career high rate with positive results.

As you can see, Williams has almost quadrupled his post-up frequency compared to earlier in the season in Dallas. With limited spacing in Charlotte you would expect there to be less space and the efficiency to drop, but it's actually improved as Williams has become more comfortable. But has this helped Charlotte's offense? That's an emphatic yes.

The Hornets are +9.5 points better off on offense with Williams on the floor. In fact, Williams leads the team in overall Net Rating with +12.4 points when he's on the court, that ranks in the 97th percentile. 

Williams uses his bulk, strength, and quick feet to take advantage when switched onto smaller players. Watch him out muscle Devin Booker below and get to the reverse finish.