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Alvin Williams
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Alvin Leon Williams Jr. (born August 6, 1974) is an American former professional basketball player who played for Villanova University and in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1997 to 2007.
Key Information
College career
[edit]Williams graduated from Germantown Academy in 1993 where he was in the same graduating class as Bradley Cooper. He then went to Villanova as one of the most highly touted recruits sounding a charge led by head coach Steve Lappas to restart bringing homegrown talent from Philadelphia to the Wildcats, which had been dormant for years under head coach Rollie Massimino. During his senior season, Williams led Villanova in scoring and assists with 17 points and 4.5 assists per game. Along with Tim Thomas, Williams would take Villanova to a regular season Big East title and a berth in the 1997 NCAA tournament where they lost in the Second round to California featuring future NFL All-Pro Tony Gonzalez.
Professional career
[edit]Toronto Raptors
[edit]After being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 1997 NBA draft, Williams was traded to the Toronto Raptors in February 1998.[1][2][3]
Williams was in the Raptors' rotation under head coach Butch Carter and greatly improved as the starting point guard under head coach Lenny Wilkens in 2001. He started all 82 games for two straight seasons in 2001–02 and 2002–03. During the 2002–03 season, which was his best statistical season as a professional, Williams averaged 13.2 points and 5.3 assists per game. After missing a third of the 2003–04 and the entire 2004–05 season with a knee injury, Williams rejoined the lineup at the start of the 2005–06 season and played one game before the injured knee put him back on the injured list.
On July 26, 2006, Williams was waived by the Raptors to make room for free agent guard Fred Jones. Reports said both the team and Williams had reached an agreement that resulted in the Raptors only having to pay half of Williams's remaining salary.[4][5]
Los Angeles Clippers
[edit]On January 20, 2007, Williams signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.[6][7] He was not signed to a second contract after the first expired after appearing in two games in limited action.[8]
NBA career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
| * | Led the league |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–98 | Portland | 41 | 10 | 21.1 | .458 | .292 | .734 | 1.5 | 2.0 | .7 | .0 | 6.9 |
| 1997–98 | Toronto | 13 | 3 | 15.9 | .364 | .500 | .636 | 1.6 | 1.5 | .6 | .1 | 3.2 |
| 1998–99 | Toronto | 50* | 45 | 21.0 | .401 | .333 | .846 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 1.0 | .2 | 5.0 |
| 1999–00 | Toronto | 55 | 28 | 14.2 | .397 | .291 | .738 | 1.5 | 2.3 | .6 | .2 | 5.3 |
| 2000–01 | Toronto | 82 | 34 | 29.2 | .430 | .306 | .752 | 2.6 | 5.0 | 1.5 | .3 | 9.8 |
| 2001–02 | Toronto | 82 | 82 | 35.7 | .415 | .321 | .736 | 3.4 | 5.7 | 1.6 | .3 | 11.8 |
| 2002–03 | Toronto | 78 | 78 | 33.8 | .438 | .329 | .782 | 3.1 | 5.3 | 1.4 | .3 | 13.2 |
| 2003–04 | Toronto | 56 | 54 | 30.9 | .405 | .292 | .776 | 2.7 | 4.0 | 1.0 | .2 | 8.8 |
| 2005–06 | Toronto | 1 | 0 | 9.8 | .000 | .000 | .500 | 3.0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 1.0 |
| 2006–07 | L.A. Clippers | 2 | 0 | 4.8 | .000 | .000 | .500 | .5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | .0 | 1.0 |
| Career | 460 | 334 | 27.4 | .421 | .313 | .760 | 2.5 | 4.1 | 1.2 | .2 | 9.0 | |
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Toronto | 1 | 0 | 1.0 | – | – | – | .0 | .0 | .0 | .0 | .0 |
| 2001 | Toronto | 12 | 12 | 40.5 | .431 | .357 | .680 | 2.9 | 4.2 | 1.3 | .7 | 13.8 |
| 2002 | Toronto | 5 | 5 | 39.3 | .320 | .214 | .818 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 1.2 | .4 | 12.0 |
| Career | 18 | 17 | 38.0 | .396 | .310 | .722 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 1.2 | .6 | 12.5 | |
Post-playing career
[edit]On July 1, 2009, the Raptors announced the hiring of Williams as an assistant coach for the team.[9] This would mark the return of Williams to the organization since being waived by the team less than three years earlier.
On September 24, 2010, the Raptors announced that Williams would become the team's Director of Player Development.[10]
In June 2013 he was let go from his position with the Raptors.[11][12]
Since 2015 Williams has been an NBA Analyst with Rogers Sportsnet.[13]
In September 2021, Rogers Sportsnet and the Toronto Raptors announced that Williams would take over the colour commentary duties on all Rogers Sportsnet broadcasts of Raptors games, replacing Leo Rautins on that network.[14]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ "Raptors deal Stoudamire for Blazers' Anderson". Washington Post. February 14, 1998. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Stoudamire Finally Traded to Portland". Los Angeles Times. February 14, 1998. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ Smith, Sam (February 14, 1998). "Chaos in Toronto: Stoudamire dealt to Blazers, coach quits". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Raptors Release Alvin Williams". NBA.com. July 26, 2006. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Raptors waive Alvin Williams, sign Fred Jones". ESPN.com. July 26, 2006. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Clippers sign ex-Raptor G Williams to 10-day contract". ESPN.com. January 20, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Alvin Williams de retour". RDS.ca (in Canadian French). January 20, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ Thompson, Art III (January 30, 2007). "Clippers let Williams go". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on February 2, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Raptors Announce Basketball Staff Additions". NBA.com. July 1, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ "Raptors Announce Basketball Operations Promotions". NBA.com. September 24, 2010. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ Smith, Doug (June 17, 2013). "Raptors fire popular Alvin Williams, terrible message to rest of NBA: Smith". thestar.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ Dwyer, Kelly (June 17, 2013). "The Toronto Raptors have fired Alvin Williams, a Mr. Raptor if there ever was one". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
- ^ Ganter, Mike (September 24, 2021). "BROADCAST SHAKEUP: Williams replaces Rautins on Raptors' Sportsnet telecasts". torontosun.com. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
- ^ Smith, Doug (September 23, 2021). "Leo Rautins to be replaced by Alvin Williams on Raptors broadcasts for Sportsnet — but will return to TSN". thestar.com. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Alvin Williams at Wikimedia Commons- Career statistics from NBA.com · Basketball Reference
- Alvin Williams – NBA player statistics at ESPN
- Alvin Williams – college basketball player statistics at Sports Reference
Alvin Williams
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
High school career
Alvin Williams was born on August 6, 1974, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he grew up immersed in the city's vibrant basketball culture, developing his skills amid the competitive scene and playing in the shadow of future stars like Rasheed Wallace.[2][6] This early exposure honed his skills as a versatile guard, emphasizing playmaking and scoring in Philadelphia's competitive streetball and AAU scenes.[3] Williams attended Germantown Academy, a private preparatory school in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, where he played varsity basketball and graduated in 1993 alongside future actor Bradley Cooper.[2][3][7] As a senior in the 1992–93 season, he led the Patriots in scoring and assists, contributing to a dominant 24–1 overall record and a 9–1 Inter-Ac League championship—the first Philadelphia-area team to win the Benedictine Capitol City Classic in nearly twenty years.[8][9] Over his four-year career, Williams became Germantown Academy's all-time leading scorer with 1,706 points, while also setting the school's career assists record and ranking second in rebounds; he earned four All-Inter-Ac selections and two league MVP honors.[3] Recognized as one of Pennsylvania's top prep prospects, Williams was named to the First Team All-State in 1993 and the Asics All-American Team that same year.[3] His recruitment drew interest from several colleges, but he committed to Villanova University, a local program in the Philadelphia area, to continue his development as a point guard.[2]College career
Alvin Williams enrolled at Villanova University in 1993 and played four seasons for the Wildcats men's basketball team from 1993 to 1997, developing into a key point guard under head coach Steve Lappas.[4] As a Philadelphia native, his local high school success at Germantown Academy facilitated his recruitment to the nearby program.[3] In his freshman season of 1993–94, Williams adjusted to college competition, appearing in all 31 games while averaging 7.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, and helping the team win the NIT championship.[4] His sophomore year (1994–95) saw a slight dip in scoring to 7.1 points per game, but his playmaking improved markedly with 4.8 assists (and 3.5 rebounds) per game across 33 contests, with the Wildcats making an NCAA Tournament appearance.[4] Williams continued his progression as a junior in 1995–96, boosting his output to 11.0 points and a team-high 5.4 assists (3.5 rebounds) per game in 33 appearances, earning All-Big Five Second Team recognition.[4][10] Williams' senior campaign in 1996–97 marked his breakout as a leader, where he averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 34 games, leading Villanova in all three categories and securing First-Team All-Big East honors along with Big Five Player of the Year accolades.[4][10] He also contributed to the team's success, helping the Wildcats capture the 1997 Big East regular-season co-championship with a 12–6 conference record and advance to the NCAA Tournament's second round as a No. 7 seed, finishing the year 24–10 overall.[11] Over his entire college career spanning 131 games, Williams totaled 1,423 points (10.9 per game) and 553 assists (4.2 per game), placing third on Villanova's all-time assists list.[4][10]Professional playing career
Draft and early professional years
Alvin Williams was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round, 48th overall, of the 1997 NBA Draft out of Villanova University.[2] Following a standout college career that included All-Big East honors, he signed a rookie contract with Portland on September 29, 1997.[12] In his rookie season of 1997–98, Williams split time between the Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors after a midseason trade, appearing in 41 games for Portland where he averaged 21.1 minutes per game, 6.9 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.8% from the field.[2] The trade occurred on February 13, 1998, when Portland sent Williams, Kenny Anderson, and Gary Trent—along with two first-round picks—to the Raptors in exchange for Damon Stoudamire, Walt Williams, and Carlos Rogers, marking Williams' transition to his long-term NBA home.[13] With Toronto that year, he played 13 games, averaging 15.9 minutes per game and 3.2 points, as he adjusted to the professional level's intensity and pace.[2] Williams signed a multi-year contract with the Raptors in the 1998 offseason, solidifying his roster spot ahead of the 1998–99 season.[14] Early in his career, he emerged as a versatile combo guard, prioritizing perimeter defense, ball-handling, and playmaking to facilitate team offense rather than primary scoring.[2]Toronto Raptors tenure
Alvin Williams was acquired by the Toronto Raptors from the Portland Trail Blazers in a February 1998 trade in which Toronto received Williams, Kenny Anderson, Gary Trent, and two future first-round picks in exchange for Damon Stoudamire, Walt Williams, and Carlos Rogers.[13] Williams transitioned into a full-time starter during the 2000-01 season, anchoring the Raptors' backcourt alongside Vince Carter and contributing to the team's first playoff appearance in franchise history. Over the next three seasons, he averaged between 9.8 and 13.2 points and 5.0 to 5.7 assists per game, showcasing his defensive prowess with 1.4 to 1.6 steals per contest while facilitating Toronto's fast-paced offense.[2] His peak came in the 2002-03 season, where Williams posted career highs of 13.2 points and 5.3 assists per game across 78 appearances, leading the team in minutes played at 33.8 per game and earning recognition as one of the Raptors' most reliable performers that year.[2] Williams played a pivotal role in the Raptors' playoff runs, also making a brief appearance in one game during the 2000 playoffs. He started all 12 games in the 2001 first-round series against the New York Knicks and averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, including a game-winning jumper in Game 5 that clinched the series 3-2 and advanced Toronto for the first time.[2][15] In the 2002 playoffs versus the Detroit Pistons, he started all five games in the first-round sweep, contributing 12.0 points and 5.6 assists per outing to highlight his playmaking under pressure.[2] A severe knee injury derailed Williams' momentum starting in the 2003-04 season, when he was limited by persistent pain and swelling in his right knee, playing 56 games before undergoing arthroscopic surgery in February 2004, which forced him to miss the remaining 26 games. The issue persisted, leading to microfracture surgery in November 2004 and additional arthroscopic procedures in December 2004 and May 2005 to address scar tissue, forcing him to miss the entire 2004-05 season and limiting him to just 1 game in 2005-06 before his release.[16][17] Over eight seasons with the Raptors from 1998 to 2006, Williams appeared in 413 games, averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, establishing himself as a defensive specialist known for his tenacity and quick hands.[2] Williams became a fan favorite in Toronto for his gritty style and clutch moments, such as the 2001 playoff dagger, while also engaging in community efforts to promote basketball development among local youth during his tenure.[18][19]Los Angeles Clippers stint
After being waived by the Toronto Raptors in July 2006 due to persistent right knee injuries that had sidelined him since 2004, Williams signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on January 20, 2007, to provide depth at point guard amid injuries to their roster.[16][20] Williams appeared in just two games for the Clippers during the 2006-07 season, totaling 10 minutes of playing time, as his ongoing knee problems—stemming from prior microfracture surgery and multiple arthroscopic procedures—severely limited his availability.[21] In those outings, on January 20 against the Memphis Grizzlies (4 minutes, 0 points) and January 23 against the Milwaukee Bucks (5 minutes, 2 points), he averaged 1.0 point, 0.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 0-for-2 from the field.[22] The Clippers did not extend him a second 10-day contract after the initial one expired.[23] This brief stint marked the effective end of Williams' NBA playing career, as chronic knee issues that had plagued him for years ultimately forced his retirement on November 1, 2007, at age 33, shifting his focus to recovery and eventual roles in coaching and broadcasting.[12]Career statistics and achievements
Regular season statistics
Alvin Williams played 460 games over 10 NBA seasons from 1997 to 2007, primarily as a point guard for the Toronto Raptors, with brief stints for the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers.[24] His regular-season performance evolved from a reserve role in his rookie year to a starting contributor during his peak with Toronto, where he averaged career highs in scoring and playmaking.[24] The following table summarizes his per-game statistics by season, including games played (GP), minutes per game (MPG), points per game (PPG), total rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), and steals per game (SPG). Data excludes his injury-shortened 2004–05 season, during which he did not play.[24]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–98 | POR/TOR | 54 | 19.8 | 6.0 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.7 |
| 1998–99 | TOR | 50 | 21.0 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 1.0 |
| 1999–00 | TOR | 55 | 14.2 | 5.3 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 0.6 |
| 2000–01 | TOR | 82 | 29.2 | 9.8 | 2.6 | 5.0 | 1.5 |
| 2001–02 | TOR | 82 | 35.7 | 11.8 | 3.4 | 5.7 | 1.6 |
| 2002–03 | TOR | 78 | 33.8 | 13.2 | 3.1 | 5.3 | 1.4 |
| 2003–04 | TOR | 56 | 30.9 | 8.8 | 2.7 | 4.0 | 1.0 |
| 2005–06 | TOR | 1 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 2006–07 | LAC | 2 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| Career | 460 | 27.4 | 9.0 | 2.5 | 4.1 | 1.2 |
Playoff statistics
Alvin Williams made three playoff appearances during his NBA career, all with the Toronto Raptors, though his participation was minimal in the first. In the 2000 NBA Playoffs, he played just one game against the New York Knicks, logging one minute with no statistics recorded, as the Raptors were swept 3-0 in the first round.[2] Williams' most significant postseason contributions came in the 2001 NBA Playoffs, where he started all 12 games for the Raptors, averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 40.5 minutes. In the first round, Toronto upset the Knicks 3-2, with Williams delivering key performances, including a game-high 23 points in Game 2 and the series-clinching jumper in Game 5.[2][25][15] The Raptors then fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where Williams averaged 10.3 points and 4.9 assists across seven games, showcasing his defensive tenacity against Allen Iverson.[2] In the 2002 NBA Playoffs, Williams started all five games in the first round against the Detroit Pistons, averaging 12.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in 39.2 minutes, as Toronto lost 2-3 despite his steady playmaking and perimeter defense.[2] Over his 18 total playoff games, Williams averaged 12.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game—elevated scoring from his career regular-season mark of 9.0 points—while starting every contest he played and contributing to the Raptors' early franchise playoff successes through gritty, high-energy efforts.[2]| Season | Team | Series | GP | MPG | PPG | APG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | TOR | vs. NYK | 1 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 2001 | TOR | vs. NYK/PHI | 12 | 40.5 | 13.8 | 4.2 | 1.3 |
| 2002 | TOR | vs. DET | 5 | 39.2 | 12.0 | 5.6 | 1.2 |
| Career | 18 | 35.9 | 12.3 | 4.4 | 1.1 |