NBA Free Agency 2011: What Do Golden State Warriors Do About Reggie Williams?

Reggie Williams is the talented yet frustratingly inconsistent play of the Golden State Warriors bench personified.

The latest D-Leaguer-to-contributor for the Warriors, Williams is set to hit the free-agent market for the first time in his career after one-and-a-half productive years in Oakland.

So what should Larry Riley (or should I say Bob Myers) do with the former Virginia Military Institute standout who twice led the nation in scoring?

The decision will not be an easy one, and it gets more complicated with an examination of the different layers of the question.

First, and most importantly, has Williams performed well enough on the court to warrant a roster spot? His spotty play (hindered this season by inconsistent minutes) has shown enough flashes of greatness to already cause regret about his possible departure, but has also frustrated enough to wonder if he's worth the guaranteed pay raise he's due (he made under $775,000 this season).

When given an opportunity, Williams was productive. He logged over 30 minutes in 11 games this season and had 18 games of 15 or more points (including five 20-plus outbursts). But he also failed to crack double-digit minutes in nine games, scoring more than two points in just one of those games.

Now, he's not the only Warriors bench player to struggle with his minutes this season (that, more than anything, may cost Keith Smart his job), but he's too talented to not force Smart's hand, no matter how talented the team's starting backcourt is.

He's one of the better shooters in the league (42.3 percent from beyond the arc, tied for eighth-best) and has an unguardable pull-up jumper when's he on. But he's not always on and his defense is hard to watch, especially when he's not producing at the other end.

Second, are there better players at his position on the free-agent market? Yes, but not many, so the scarcity could drive up the prices.

Denver has three perimeter players set to hit the market (Wilson Chandler and J.R. Smith are unrestrictred free agents, Arron Afflalo is restricted), and at least one will be available.

Smith is similar to Williams in that he's an offense-first (or offense-only) player, but his body of work (six straight seasons averaging better than 12 points, all while logging under 30 minutes) might make it easier for the Warriors to open their wallets.

Afflalo is the best all-around player of the three, but after back-to-back seasons with at least 69 starts, how would he embrace a move to the bench, assuming he even leaves Denver?

Chandler has the size (6'8", 225 lbs.) and quickness to play either wing position, but he may command the most money of the three and will also likely have an opportunity to start elsewhere.

Lastly, what impact will the new CBA have on the Warriors' ability to sign free agents? Riley said he expects to be able to sign one free agent, and with a substantial need to find a big man, perhaps they opt to look for their backup wing player in the draft.

This much is clear: The Warriors fanbase is itching for postseason basketball and Joe Lacob's talk has fans thinking sooner than later. Williams is a better option than a late lottery draft pick for a team that wants to win now.

However, there are some intriguing options on the free-agent market, should the Warriors have the financial room to be buyers.