The Golden State Warriors: Where Regular Guys Go To Play Basketball

It is a well-known fact among basketball fans, that the Golden State Warriors, at any given time could have more D-Leaguers on their team than actual NBA players.

Do you want to play 48 minutes a game? Go to Golden State.

Do you want to run up and down the court without a semblance of offensive sets? Go to Golden State.

Do you want to go from an athletic, energetic nobody, to 25-point scorer in the NBA? Give Don Nelson a call.

Oh, I believe that I hear the phone ringing, who is it on the line this time? Enter Reggie Williams.

Williams, the leading scorer in the NCAA during his final two years in college, was leading a league in scoring once again this year. Only this time, it was the NBA Developmental league, and he was doing it with ease.

Averaging 26.4 points per game on an out of this world 58% shooting, it was only a matter of time before Williams got a chance in the NBA, and that chance finally came from Don Nelson.

I've heard that one before.

From Kelenna Azabuike and CJ Watson, to Anthony Tolliver and Chris Hunter, Reggie Williams is the latest is the latest in a long line of D-league finds for the injury-depleted Warriors.

With Vladimir Radmanovic, Raja Bell, Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azabuike, Andris Biedrins, Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright all out of the lineup with assorted injuries, the Warriors are playing with a roster most fans would be hard-pressed to recognize on most nights.

Their latest find, Williams, was signed to a 10-day contract on March 3rd, and in the six games since signing with the team, has averaged 12.8 points per game on an impressive 53% shooting. In a 135-131 loss to New Orleans earlier in the week, Williams scored a career high (obviously) 28 points on 10-16 shooting, to go along with six assists in 34 minutes.

While Williams' 10-day contract is set to expire today, the Warriors are expected to offer him a second 10-day offer and re-evaluate him once that one expires. It wouldn't be out of line to think that he would be signed on for the remainder of the season, with such few games remaining.

Don Nelson joked about his delving into d-league with regularity, calling himself the "D-league coach of the year" during last night's TNT matchup against the Blazers. In that game, Williams and fellow d-league alums CJ Watson and Anthony Tolliver accounted for 40 points between the three of them. Their scoring is just the beginning of their impact though, as Nelson called them "hungry" and "eager to prove themselves", energy that fits right in with Golden State's style of play.

Though the Warriors are struggling through another losing season, they aren't discouraged in the least. Fan support is still high, and the city really backs the team, even when they struggle to win games. The fast-paced offense and hustle from the lesser-known players, mixed with the star power and offensive prowess of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry makes every game worth watching, even if you can't name anybody else on the team.

Here is a vote of support from one fan who is all for giving opportunities to the Reggie Williams' of the world. I for one would much rather watch a player who gives his all every night in hopes of keeping his job and his NBA dream alive, rather than the norm of overpaid players complacent in their jobs.

Here's to you Reggie Williams!