Steve Kerr Named Brandon Williams Backup Point Guard
The Golden State Warriors coach appointed Williams to lead the second unit as a primary ball handler.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Basketball
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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has selected Brandon Williams as the team's backup point guard. Williams earned the role following a strong preseason performance where he demonstrated speed and explosive transition play.
Why it matters
The decision provides the Warriors with a dedicated ball handler to manage minutes while Stephen Curry is on the bench. The team plans to rely on three-guard lineups until injured players return to the active rotation.
Williams averaged 14.3 points across four preseason games while shooting 61.8 percent from the field. He has a career three-point shooting percentage of 28.0 percent.
The players
Steve Kerr
He is the head coach of the Golden State Warriors who manages the team's rotation and strategic lineup decisions.
Brandon Williams
He is a professional basketball player signed to a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Stephen Curry
He is a veteran Golden State Warriors point guard whose minutes on the bench will be covered by the backup unit.
Brandin Podziemski
He is a Golden State Warriors player whose average minutes per game are projected to increase.
De'Anthony Melton
He is a Golden State Warriors player whose average minutes per game are expected to rise from the previous 23.0 mark.
The details
Williams signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the team, with $1.4 million guaranteed on opening night. He is projected to play between 12 and 19 minutes per game, while the workloads for Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton are expected to increase slightly.
Timeline
Brandon Williams signed with the Golden State Warriors in late August.
Steve Kerr named Williams backup point guard on October 12, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The promotion of Williams follows the team's strategic reliance on multi-guard lineups to maintain offensive pressure. This adjustment recalibrates the bench rotation and aims to stabilize the backcourt during the ongoing injury-related absences.
Williams is expected to play between 12 and 19 minutes per game, shifting rotation expectations for bench players. Fantasy managers and fans should note that Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton are both slated for increased playing time.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates the coaching staff's focus on maximizing transition speed to compensate for an incomplete roster. Consistency in shooting and ball security will be key factors in whether Williams maintains this role throughout the season.
Further reading
For more on roster updates, visit Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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