Nate Williams

Williams is an American guard who has navigated the NBA through two-way contracts, 10-day deals, and training camp signings after going undrafted in 2022. A prolific scorer at Buffalo, he has competed for roster spots across multiple franchises while relying on scoring instincts and perimeter shooting.

Born Jeenathan Lewis Williams Jr. on February 12, 1999, in Rochester, New York, he attended University Prep Charter School for Young Men. As a junior, he averaged 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists and was named to the Class AA all-state fifth team. For his senior season, he transferred to Prolific Prep in Napa, California, where he averaged 15.8 points. He competed for City Rocks on the AAU circuit alongside Isaiah Stewart and Buddy Boeheim. A four-star recruit, he committed to Buffalo, becoming the highest-rated recruit in program history per Rivals.com.

At Buffalo, Williams averaged 3.2 points as a freshman before moving into the starting lineup as a sophomore, averaging 11.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. As a junior, he averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and earned Second Team All-MAC honors. As a senior, he scored a career-high 32 points against Michigan and was named First Team All-MAC.

After going undrafted in 2022, Williams joined the Utah Jazz for Summer League and signed an Exhibit 10 contract before being waived. He joined the Salt Lake City Stars and later signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on April 1, 2023, becoming the first Buffalo alumnus to play in the NBA since Sam Pellom. He later signed two-way contracts with the Houston Rockets, where he averaged 3.3 points in 20 appearances in 2024-25, and eventually the Golden State Warriors in February 2026.

Williams is a scoring guard with deep three-point range, athleticism, and a willingness to attack the rim. His game is built on offensive creation, transition scoring, and perimeter shooting. Defensively, he competes with effort and active hands. He has shown flashes of NBA-level scoring but has yet to secure a permanent rotation spot.