After being a key subject in a story about a Dallas Mavericks practice earlier this season in which he questioned Luka Dončić's effort, Grant Williams has offered a response to the situation.

In an interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (starts at 1:30 mark), Williams explained he "didn't take it personally" when the story came out in part because one of the things he was asked to do when he originally joined the Mavs was "be a leader" who challenged his teammates.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

Hornets' Grant Williams sits down with <a href="">@Stadium</a>: "That's my job: challenge guys and have them perform to the best of their abilities...I pride myself on being a person players can rely on, not only on the court but off."<br><br>On perceptions, the true Luka Doncic practice story, more: <a href="">

The story told by Mavs assistant general manager Michael Finley on 105.3 The Fan last month involved Williams "talking trash" to Dončić because he didn't like the five-time All-Star's effort when they were practicing.

105.3 The FAN @1053thefan

ICYMI this weekend, <a href="">#Mavs</a> assistant GM Michael Finley was on with <a href="">@AlecOnTheRadio</a>, <a href="">@MrChrisArnold</a> and <a href="">@Blakelive__</a>, and told a great story about a legendary Luka practice performance! Don't sleep on the our weekend shows! <a href="">#TOLO</a> <a href="">

According to Finley's recollection, Dončić responded by going "on a 26-6 run by himself." Williams disputed that by telling Charania it was actually a 32-6 run, but Dončić only scored six of those points against him.

Williams' tenure in Dallas was short-lived. He joined the team during the offseason in a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics. The Mavs were counting on the 25-year-old to provide them with a 3-and-D specialist after Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the Kyrie Irving trade last season.

Things didn't go as planned for the Mavericks, leading to Williams being dealt to the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline on Feb. 8.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon said soon after the trade that Williams "rubbed people the wrong way" during his brief stint in Dallas and he "didn't report in good shape" coming into training camp.

The Mavs seem to be in a much better place after trading Williams. They are 21-7 in 28 games since Feb. 8 and will be a top-five seed in the Western Conference playoffs.