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Corliss Williamson Chat Transcript

Corliss chatted live on Oct. 5.
NBAE/Getty Images

Bringing nine-years of pro experience and an NBA championship ring, Corliss Williamson joins the 2004-05 76ers team. Williamson was acquired by Philadelphia on August 4, 2004, in exchange for forward Derrick Coleman and center Amal McCaskill.

Williamson, 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, is a product of the University of Arkansas and boasts career averages of 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for Sacramento (1995-2000), Toronto (2000-01), and Detroit (2001-04).

He is a career 49.2 percent field-goal shooter, while converting 70.3 percent from the free throw line. In 2001-02, the forward was awarded the NBA?s Sixth Man of the Year after averaging, 13.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

Last season for the Pistons, he played in 79 games and averaged 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 19.9 minutes per game. He tallied 10-plus points 42 times, and 20-plus points twice. During the Pistons championship run last season, he played in 22 games and posted 5.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game. The "Big Nasty" as he affectionately known was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 13th overall selection of the 1995 NBA Draft.

Corliss chatted live with fans at on Tuesday, Oct. 5. See the complete chat transcript below.

Moderator: Practice is running a little late, Corliss will join us shortly.....

Torrance, Ca: Corliss when you got traded from Pistons to the Sixers what was your response to the trade?

Corliss Williamson: My initial response was a little disappointment. I wanted to go back and help defend the NBA title. But now, I'm looking at this as a great opportunity to help another team get back into the playoffs and compete at a high level.

Gary, Cherry Hill: Corliss, how do you see your role in Philly as compared to your role in Detroit?

Corliss Williamson: I see my role being similar as it's been the past few years. I need to add some inside scoring and some attitude and Philly is known for being a hardnosed team and I think I can fit into that mold.

Romy, Mclean Va: Hey Big Nasty, been a huge fan of yours since the Razorback days. What position are you more comfortable playing, SF or PF?, and where do you think you'll log the majority of your minutes now that you're with the Sixers.

Corliss Williamson: I kind of like playing both positions. In both spots, I can play both inside and outside. If I had to choose one, I'd say small forward. On this team, my guess is I'd play more minutes at power forward. I am more than happy to do both.

Austin (Detroit): Corliss, I just wanted to say thank you for your great years here in Detroit. You were a big part of the success here and will be missed. With that said, how do you think you will need to adapt your style of play in order to fit into Philadelphia's style of offense and overall play?

Corliss Williamson: We have a new coach here in Philly, so things will be different here. My role will be to help us have a strong post-presence. Coach says he will be relying on me in this area, so we can then kick it out and shoot from the perimeter.

Linda , from NJ: Hi Corliss! Are you excited about the NBA training camp? How do you like coach Jim O'Brien so far? Well, good luck! Go Sixers!!!! P.S: I hope you will pick my message.

Corliss Williamson: I've never been one to really love training camp (Laughing). The first day went very well, we have a lot of good, talented, hungry guys who want to work hard and win. I like Coach O'Brien, he is a straightforward guy, who tells you what he wants and expects you to do it, and I like that style. I think we will get along well here, and I look forward to having great success with the Sixers.

wayne, nj: hey big nasty, welcome to the city of brotherly love. you will fit in nicely with your tenacity. do you think the lack of size of the 76ers will be able top compete with the bigger teams? good luck. rocket rob

Corliss Williamson: I think we'll be able to compete. Sometimes I think people put too much of a premium on size. I think we have enough guys with size, and more importantly enough guys with heart to go out and compete, that we will be fine.

Kujo, Detroit: What player, past or present, would you say had the biggest impact on the way that you yourself play the game?

Corliss Williamson: Wow. That's tough. It's really a tie, two players. Charles Barkley and Larry Johnson. Just watching them play, them being considered under-sized, I always looked up to them and admired them.

Rodney (Philadelphia): Welcome to Philly! How do you like our city thus far?

Corliss Williamson: I really haven't had an opportunity to spend alot of time in Philadelphia yet. I can say one thing though, I have met some people from Philly and they have been really good to me, they've welcomed me and I appreciate that.

Ora Guy, Irving, TX: Why did you decide to wear number 30 with your new team? I have followed your career since your UofA days (fellow alumuni). Good luck with your career.

Corliss Williamson: The main reason I wore 30, is because Charles Barkley wore No. 34, so that number wasn't available. I think once the season starts, I will be wearing No. 14.

Chad (Lancaster): You have had a great nba career but is there any area that you would still like to get better at?

Corliss Williamson: Yes. I try to improve every year. I think my perimeter shooting has improved over the years, and my defense, but I think I need to improve more in both of those areas.

Nate (McAllen): Corliss, Now that you won the title last season with the Pistons what kind of experience do you think you can bring to the Sixers this season? Do you feel like this is a new fresh start for you?

Corliss Williamson: I do feel this is a fresh start. It's a fresh start for everyone here with a new coach, so this works out well. There are some young guys here who see me as a vet, and that's kinda funny. As far as experience, I will do what I always do, which is lead by example Go out there and work hard, no matter what your role, and then you help out the team. Hopefully that can ruboff on some of the young guys.

Corliss Williamson: I'd like to thank all the fans who posted questions. It's flattering to know that people respect my game and me as a person, and are inquisitive enough to ask me questions. I also hope you will keep supporting me and the Sixers and I think we can have an exciting season. Thanks again.