Jason Williams Leading By Example


Jason Williams signals the Grizzlies' offense.
Joe Murphy
NBAE/Getty Images

Watching the game, you couldn't help but think that perhaps, another defining moment in Jason Williams' NBA career was taking place. In a close game against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 15 during the Grizzlies' incredible eight-game winning streak, the Grizzlies inbounded the ball to Williams with just a few scant seconds remaining in the first half. Williams ran the ball up to halfcourt and fired just before the buzzer sounded.

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Williams' heave was a frozen rope, and was dead-on target, not even scraping the rim before going down through the nets. The crowd went crazy. Grizzlies players and coaches went crazy. However, Williams did not. He kept on running after launching the shot, and simply ran into the locker room. The same player who a few seasons ago was being shown by some critics as a symbol of all that was wrong with the league simply ran into the locker room, and showed no desire to show up an opponent.

After all, it was only the first half. There was more work to be done.

Of course, Memphis went on to win the game and many after it, thanks to the steady hand of Williams, who has matured into one of the league's best all-around point guards. Through Feb. 2, he continues to rank among the NBA's best in the vital assist-to-turnover ratio (4th overall at 3.76) and assists per game (7th with 6.9 apg). As one of the longest-tenured players on the Grizzlies, the man who puts up great statistics and leads the offense now leads 14 other players.

"I do try to be a leader, but a leader by example, not a vocal leader," says Williams.


Williams runs the show.
Joe Murphy
NBAE/Getty Images

Fans in Sacramento may recall great passes that fell into teammates hands and other passes that, well, flew into the stands. The young J-Will would deliver assists that made ESPN's SportsCenter almost nightly, but also tossed turnovers by the bushel. Today, the more mature J-Will can still deliver the exciting, behind-the-back pass when needed, but he has also evolved into an exciting floor general in control of the action.

"I'm trying to settle down a bit and take my time out there," explains Williams. "I take what the defense gives me now, and try not to be too aggressive."

Another key figure receiving credit for Williams' development as an elite point guard is Grizzlies Head Coach Hubie Brown. From day one of Brown's hiring last season, many cynics waited for the first report of friction between the pair, but the union has been harmonious. After an early feeling-out process throughout last season, the coach and point guard have formed a rapport that is a key to the Grizzlies' success.


Jason Williams observes from the bench.
Joe Murphy
NBAE/Getty Images

"We're definitely closer this year, I know what he expects of me and he knows what I expect of him," says Williams. "It's up to me, and all of us, to go out there and do what he tells us to do."

As Brown calls the shots and Williams runs the show, the Grizzlies are in the midst of what is by far their greatest season in franchise history. The team is battling for a playoff berth in the tough Western Conference, and how Williams plays down the stretch will be a major factor in whether Memphis fans are watching their favorite team playing beyond mid-April. It's an important role that Williams says he relishes.

"Playing basketball should be fun every day, but this definitely makes it a little more interesting."

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