Mavericks: Kyrie Irving Shares Critical Role in Plucking Grant Williams From Celtics

(Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Kyrie Irving (#11) of the Brooklyn Nets takes a shot against Grant Williams (#12) of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.

Kyrie Irving is taking full responsibility for getting former Boston Celtics teammate Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks' fold.

The eight-time All-Star claimed he vouched for the 24-year-old power forward to management when Williams became a restricted free agent, per Sports Illustrated.

"Grant was one of those guys I mentioned [to the front office]," the 31-year-old stated.

Irving added that Williams was a tough customer, especially during his time with the Brooklyn Nets.

"He was a big piece in those Boston series when we played at Brooklyn. He made it difficult for us. He wasn't the only one, obviously, but he was doing the intangibles out there...I can't knock a guy for wanting to try and be more in this league. Coming here and getting the deal that he did, I was proud of him," the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year added.

This early, Williams is already making an impression in Dallas. Mavs star Luka Doncic likes what he sees except for one thing - Grant Williams talks too much via Boston.com.

Luka 🤝 Grant

See these new teammates in action… #NBAinAbuDhabi Oct. 5 & Oct. 7 at 12pm/et on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/TqBfrAsl3O
— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2023

"I think Grant is a good leader too; he talks a lot," Doncic told reporters. "Sometimes too much."

Will Williams' production improve?

Last season, Grant Williams averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Now that he has moved to the Mavericks after a sign-and-trade agreement in July, it will be interesting if the 6-foot-6 forward can jack up their numbers and contribute efficiently to the Dallas Mavericks' 2023-24 NBA season, NBA.com reported.