Marvin Williams Chat Transcript

After winning a national title at UNC during his freshman year, Marvin Williams was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 2 pick in the 2005 Draft. Williams had a productive rookie year, making the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team after he ranked among the top ten in several rookie categories: scoring (10th), rebounding (7th), field goal percentage (10th) and minutes played (7th).

So far Marvin has been the breakout star of the Rocky Mountain Revue Summer League, leading all players in scoring (26.0), free throws made (29) and attempted (33), minutes (39.0), and is tied for 2nd in rebounding (7.0).

Williams took time out to chat with fans on Wednesday, July 19 on www.hawks.com. If you missed the live chat, here is the transcript.

rob (atlanta): Marvin, you are dominating the RMR summer league so far, to what extent do you think your performance will carry over to the regular season?

Marvin Williams: I'm hoping it transfers over smoothly. I want to improve on my performance from last year and that's the case now in the Summer League and I just want to continue that improvement into the regular season.

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Sheldon, New York: Marvin, how beneficial was it for you to play a year of college ball at UNC, win a national title, and not just come to the league straight out of high school and potentially sit on the bench for a year?

Marvin Williams: I think it was very beneficial to me, that one year I had in college, I played for the best coach in college basketball and I learned alot, which served me well when I came to the NBA.

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John (Charlotte): Marvin, huge Heel fan here. I think it sets a great example for kids to see you going back to school to finish your degree, especially with the amount of time it will take given your NBA schedule. You have also been on campus for a number of major recruits. Why take so much time out of your busy NBA schedule to be at UNC?

Marvin Williams: I think that education is very important and I've always intended to get my college degree and I will work as hard as I can to finish it. It's simple, an education is very important.

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Alec, Livingston NJ: Marvin, what are some of the things you are working on this off-season? A back-to-the-basket game?

Marvin Williams: I have been working on that, getting a few moves to go to on the block so I can improve as a scorer.

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Neal (Chicago): Who was your NBA idol going up

Marvin Williams: Growing up my favorite NBA player was Gary Payton. I liked Kevin Garnett too, but being from the Seattle area, I was a big fan of Gary Payton.

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yancy, seattle: marvin - was wondering since you are from washington if you had any thoughts about the sonics being bought and that they might mnove from seattle.

Marvin Williams: I hope Seattle can keep the team. I grew up watching the Sonics play, and if would be good for that team to remain in Seattle.

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Francis (Toronto): What do you most want to accomplish in your NBA career?

Marvin Williams: I just want to win the NBA Championship. Of course, I want to improve and become a better player, but the ultimate goal is to be an NBA Champion.

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T Atlanta: Marvin do you enjoy living in Atlanta?

Marvin Williams: I definitely do. It's a great city, with alot to do. The people are great and polite. I love Atlanta.

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sedrick puerto rico: what do you think of your teams playoff probabilities this year

Marvin Williams: I think we have a good chance of making the playoffs. We have Speedy Claxton now at the point and Joe Johnson is our leader and we've added Shelden Williams. And the rest of us have a year of experience under our belt. I think we can keep getting better and make the playoffs this year.

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roberto(bakersfield): hey whats up marvin i was woundering what kind of things do u do on gamedays besides rest

Marvin Williams: I watch alot of movies. I try to watch a comedy, to just relax. That's about it. Lots of movies.

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Bryan Matti Detroit: Which NBA player do you think is the toughest you have guarded and why?

Marvin Williams: There are so many. LeBron is probably one of the best players in the league. Tracy McGrady. Carmelo Anthony. There are so many guys who are real tough to guard.

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Jas (Thunder Bay): Hey Marvin, what player would you compare yourself to?

Marvin Williams: I wouldn't compare myself to anyone. I try to have my own game. I don't really pattern myself on other players, I try and do my thing.

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jay, newark NJ: Marvin, what does the addition of Speedy Claxton do for you and your teammates? GO HAWKS !!!!

Marvin Williams: It's gonna be huge to have a veteran, solid point guard. Tyron Lue is a good player and he will be great energy for us off the bench, so the addition of Speedy helps us in so many ways.

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B-Flinn(New York): Marvin,How difficult was it for you to make the transitition from the college game to the NBA during your rookie season ?

Marvin Williams: I had alot of ups and downs, sometimes things were tougher than others. I had my father with me when I moved to Atlanta and that was a big help off the court, but learning the NBA was a tougher adjustment on the court than I expected.

Marvin Williams: I want to thank everyone for posting questions and following my progress and my career. It's greatly appreciated.