What was it like to finally see that #1 get pulled up there to the rafters?
Williams: It wasn't 'finally' getting up there, because it took some time for me to understand that they were going to retire my number, because after we won the championship, that seemed like the top of the mountain for me. This is icing on the cake, and it was very emotional because I've been here for a week, and I was very busy. I've been on every radio station, every TV station here in Seattle. I tell you this, it's an event that you love to be in, but you love when it's over too, because it's like a big weight off your shoulders.

Williams became the fifth player in Sonics history to have his jersey retired. NBAE/Getty

What does tonight mean to you?
Williams: It means an awful lot. Like I said out there in the speech, I didn't have a written speech, and it just came from my heart. It really doesn't mean anything unless you have someone to share it with, and I had 30 strong from New York, including the mayor, of course my mother and my brother, and Seattle really took us in because they treated us like family. I wish I could almost relive the whole thing over again.

The fans didn't seem to want to stop cheering for you.
Williams: I know it. When that kept going, it got me so choked up, but it's something that I'll definitely remember for the rest of my life.

When you mentioned the 25 years (in your speech), what did you mean?
Williams: It was just saying that 25 years have passed, a lot of time has passed, a lot of things have changed, and it was, like I said, something that I had to come to grips with, that they would retire my number. Something like that, I needed two hours and a few minutes to thank all the people that were really involved in making that happen. My teammates, I wanted to say each and every name, because they - it seemed like it was all about me tonight, because I was the only one standing there - but believe me, it's a lot more than that. I wanted to thank each and every one of them.

You made a gesture, too, when you bowed to them.
Williams: Oh yeah, they're the team. There's no team like that. It would have been great, if we didn't win it, because the two most important things to me in professional basketball are the competition - and the competition includes, on the road, with the fans and against the fans. The other thing is camaraderie. These guys are like my family eight months of the year. You know how it is, even in your own household, you have a little problem with your, brother, your sister, but these guys were just so great. It was like an extended family. I really love them.

Did you ever imagine that your basketball career would bring you a moment like this?
Williams: No, not at all. Like I said, the biggest thing that most professionals want to do is win the championship. It's not about making money, it's not about even retiring, it's winning the championship. That's what we're out there for, they're (the Sonics) out there playing for the playoffs, to win the championship. I've been a very blessed and fortunate young man.

There's not a lot of jerseys up there, and a lot of players have come through here. How special is it to join that group?
Williams: It's very special, especially when all the jerseys that are up there except one, Coach (Nate) McMillan's, I played with, I played for. I know those guys, so it makes it even more special.

Is it also more special because you have the rest of the team here with you?
Williams: Exactly. I missed Lonnie (Shelton), I haven't seen Lonnie in some time, I wish he could have made it. Of course Lenny (Wilkens) and Paul (Silas) have good excuses, they're trying to do their thing and I wish them luck. But actually, since Lenny took over in New York, I've been with him a few times and he said that he would send a tape and that he wished me all the best, so that was great.

Is there a spot you used to go to that you could go back to now?
Williams: My favorite spot was 13 Coins, I tell you. It stayed open late and had great food. Right here in downtown Seattle. I've missed that spot and every time I come here, I go there, so those guys are great. Hello 13 Coins, I'll be back over!