NBA Notes: Lakers, Ziaire Williams, Warriors, Draymond Green, Magic

Lakers

Ziaire Williams joined the Lakers on a minimum contract. He could begin the season in their starting lineup.

Williams helped his case with a strong preseason, making all five of his three-point attempts and providing the defense that drew coach JJ Redick’s interest in the first place, writes Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times.

Redick has been equally impressed with what Williams brings away from the court.

“Everybody in our building that has been around him for the last, you know, six to eight weeks just recognizes what a special human being he is,” Redick said. “I really believe in him as a player, and I think he’s got a lot of room to grow still, which is exciting for all of us.”

Five preseason attempts won’t settle any questions about Williams’ shooting. But the Lakers signed him for his defense, and making open shots would give Redick another reason to keep him on the floor.

Warriors

Draymond Green is adjusting to a different role in the Warriors’ offense, and his trust in Steve Kerr is helping him buy into it.

Green will spend more time on the wings and in the corners, with fewer possessions directing traffic from the top of the key, according to Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle. The Warriors are trying to reduce turnovers after Green’s assist-to-turnover ratio dropped to 2.1-to-1 last season, his lowest since 2013-14.

That means getting comfortable with someone else initiating the play and recognizing when a cut can be just as useful as a pass.

“For me, it’s different because — you’ve always been in position to make the play,” Green said. “And now you’re in the position to at times to make the play, or for somebody to make the play for you, or for you to make the cut to allow someone to make the next play. For the most part, I think what it boils down to is, ultimately, trust.”

Kerr said Green has been “all in,” and the preseason numbers were encouraging. Green averaged 6.3 assists against 1.5 turnovers, including 10 assists in 24 minutes Friday.

Kerr also said he’s “very comfortable” opening the season with Green at center. With Kristaps Porzingis dealing with health issues and the Warriors managing 40-year-old Al Horford’s availability, they may need plenty of minutes from him there.

Magic

The Magic could be without Noah Penda for an extended stretch after the second-year forward suffered a partial tear of his right hamstring in Friday’s preseason finale against the Heat.

Penda is expected to miss “significant time,” according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. There is no recovery timetable, with his return dependent on how he responds to treatment.

The injury affects a different area of the same hamstring he injured during training camp. That earlier injury had fully healed, Beede reported.

Penda, 21, appeared in 59 games as a rookie, averaging 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12.8 minutes. He had been making a case for a rotation spot with his preseason play.

The Magic are also evaluating Franz Wagner, who left Friday’s game with right shoulder soreness. Jase Richardson is considered day-to-day after experiencing low back soreness.

Neither Wagner’s nor Richardson’s availability for Wednesday’s opener against the Hawks has been determined. Wagner was limited to 34 games last season, so getting him through the preseason healthy was particularly important for Orlando.