Williams, 43, started his relationship with the Knicks on Nov. 15, 1992 when he signed as a free agent after 11 seasons with the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks. Considered to be a more-than reliable backup center to NBA All-Star Patrick Ewing, Williams was a force in New York’s locker room as a leader with assests that only a veteran could posess. For three seasons, he was named a team captain.

The 6-11, 260-pound center was originally drafted by the Indiana Pacers as the 14th pick overall in the 1981 NBA Draft. Williams became the franchise’s all-time leading shot-blocker, registering 1,094 rejections. On Feb. 21, 1989, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Detlef Schrempf and a future draft choice.

As a member of the Knicks for seven seasons, Williams was involved in two separate trades in which he was quickly re-acquired. On Feb. 18, 1996, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors with Doug Christie and cash for Willie Anderson and Victor Alexander. Five days later, he was waived and signed for the remainder of the season by New York on Feb. 28. On Feb. 25, 1998, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers with Ronnie Grandison for Terry Cummings. Two days later, he was waived as signed as a free agent on Feb. 25.

Williams finished his playing career by registering 11,944 points in 1,102 games played during the regular season and became one of only nine players in NBA history to play in at least 18 seasons.

Born on Feb. 16, 1958 in Columbus, OH, Williams attended Ohio State University and averaged 17.6 points and 9.7 rebounds in four years.

He and his wife, Deborah, have two children, Erica and Jabriale.