Louis Tyrone Williams, born on October 27, 1986, is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his dynamic skills on the court. Drafted directly from South Gwinnett High School in the 2005 NBA draft, he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 45th overall pick.
Williams, a versatile point guard and shooting guard, stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighed 175 pounds during his playing career. Throughout his NBA journey, he wore jersey numbers 23, 3, 12, and 6, leaving an indelible mark on every team he represented.
High School Stardom:
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Williams relocated to Atlanta at age 11. Excelling at South Gwinnett High School under coach Roger Fleetwood, he earned accolades as a four-time All-State selection and was named Georgia’s “Mr. Basketball” in his junior and senior years. His junior season saw him lead South Gwinnett to the 5A Georgia State Championship. Williams, a five-star recruit, was ranked as the No. 3 shooting guard and the No. 7 player nationally in the class of 2005.
Career Highlights:
Williams embarked on his professional journey with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2005, spending seven seasons with the team. Notable moments include a game-winning three-pointer in the 2011 Eastern Conference Playoffs and leading the team in scoring for the 2011–12 season without starting a single game.
Atlanta Hawks and Beyond:
In 2012, Williams joined the Atlanta Hawks, but an unfortunate knee injury in 2013 curtailed his playing time. A resilient comeback in the 2013–14 season showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 10.4 points per game.
A trade to the Toronto Raptors in 2014 marked a turning point in Williams‘ career. His standout performance, including a career-high 36 points, earned him the 2015 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award—the first Raptor to achieve this honor.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Williams in 2015 to a three-year, $21 million contract. He made impactful contributions, setting personal records for points scored off the bench, including a historic four-game stretch in December 2016.
Williams continued his journey with the Houston Rockets in 2017 before returning to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he became a dominant force, securing the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the second time in the 2017–18 season.
Noteworthy Seasons:
The 2018–19 season saw Williams achieve a career-high 50 points in a single game and record his first triple-double. In March 2019, he became the NBA’s career leader in points off the bench, surpassing Dell Curry.
Williams faced challenges during the 2019–20 season, violating NBA Bubble rules and experiencing playoff struggles. Nevertheless, he rebounded in the 2020–21 season, showcasing his scoring prowess with a season-high 45 points.
Return to Atlanta and Retirement:
Traded back to the Atlanta Hawks in March 2021, Williams reached the Conference Finals for the first time in his career. On June 18, 2023, at the age of 36, Williams officially announced his retirement, leaving a legacy as the NBA’s all-time leader in career points off the bench, totaling 13,396 points.
Personal Life and Achievements:
Off the court, Williams is the son of the late Willie Louis Williams and Janice Faulkner. He is a family man with three children and maintains close ties with his hometown community. In addition to his basketball achievements, Williams has dabbled in the music industry, recording rap tracks and collaborating with artists like Meek Mill.
Williams’ impact extends beyond the court, evident in his annual summer camp for children at South Gwinnett High School. His commitment to community service reflects a deep appreciation for the support he received.
