The training camp in Hawaii just identified the gamechanger for the Golden State Warriors going into the 2026-27 season. Head coach Steve Kerr and other players have singled out the late free-agent addition Brandon Williams as a potential defensive anchor for the team. Williams and Georges Niang are the newest free agents the Warriors signed weeks later.
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Following an intense Thursday scrimmage where the 26-year-old guard repeatedly sliced through defenders, Kerr offered the highest praise possible regarding Williams’ speed, comparing him to 2015 NBA champion Leandro Barbosa, while noting Williams brings an even more aggressive on-ball dynamic that has the potential to work with Stephen Curry.
Speaking to media members after practice in Hawaii, Kerr detailed how Williams’ burst alters the Warriors’ tactical calculus.“He’s the fastest guy we’ve ever had here,” Kerr said. “[Leandro] Barbosa would come to mind for me. Barbosa was lightning. Brandon’s more on ball. LB was a lot was off-ball transition, running ahead, catching and finishing. Brandon is probably more of a high pick-and-roll speedster, and it changes the calculus. It gives you more options.”
Kerr explained that Barbosa, nicknamed “The Brazilian Blur” during his NBA career for his unmatched speed, derived his legendarily rapid pace from leaking out into open space in off-ball transition. Williams, by contrast, operates as a primary ball-handler who maintains maximum velocity while navigating through the defense with the basketball in his hands.
Kerr also highlighted how Brandon Williams’ speed can unlock unique lineup variations alongside Stephen Curry, particularly when disrupting opposing offenses.
“Steph is obviously incredible off-ball player. So I could absolutely see those two being like that on defense,” Kerr noted. “What I want to see from Brandon is understanding his importance to us in terms of using his speed, creating opportunities but also taking care of the ball and then using that speed on the defensive end. I think he has the potential to be the defensive pest.”
Williams joined the Warriors on a one-year, $2.6 million contract in late August after spending last season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 13.0 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds over 66 games. During Thursday’s practice session, Williams showcased his elite gear in real time as reported by some Dubs insiders at the Hawaii camp.
In one featured play, Williams intercepted an errant pass from Curry, zoomed down the court in just three dribbles, and delivered a slick bounce pass to Gui Santos for an easy transition layup. Later in the scrimmage, Williams repeatedly blew by defenders, getting into the teeth of the defense to make plays and scoring on smooth downhill finishes.
Williams’ rapid pace left his new teammates both impressed and entertained. Veteran forward Georges Niang offered a memorable comparison.
“He’s kind of like the Roadrunner, right? He’s just like, meep-meep,” Niang remarked. “As a guy like myself that moves from slow to slower, I can appreciate how fast he moves.”
Niang spent Thursday’s scrimmage as the small-ball center in the secondary “yellow” group alongside Williams, Gui Santos, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II.
Recording his podcast from his Hawaii hotel room, Draymond Green echoed that sentiment, praising Williams’ ability to turn raw quickness into controlled rim pressure.
“Brandon Williams is fast as hell,” Green said. “He is fast and crafty. Get downhill. Finish is incredible. He’s like floating and, like, super smooth. He’s been really good.”
Santos added that Williams’ decisiveness makes him nearly impossible to contain once he turns the corner. “That guy’s fast, man,” Santos said with a smile. “When he’s in position and he chooses a side and he’s going to go that way, it’s really, really hard to stop him.”
While Golden State’s primary starting unit features Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, Green, and Al Horford, Williams is carving out a vital role in the secondary unit.
With Curry expected to manage his workload during the regular season, Williams will compete for rotational minutes with Melton, Payton II, and Will Richard, while positioning himself as a primary option to start when Curry rests.
As the Warriors continue their Hawaii training camp ahead of a preseason matchup against the Clippers this weekend, Williams’ speed gives Golden State a dynamic transition weapon it hasn’t possessed in years.