Jason Williams ready to return

[Mayerhendrix]

TORONTO (AP) - Jason Williams thinks he's ready to return to the NBA after sitting out three years while recovering from a motorcycle crash.

Williams, the former No. 2 NBA draft pick, is in Toronto working out for the Raptors, and likes what he sees in the young team and new general manager Bryan Colangelo.

"The thing I like about Toronto is the winning atmosphere," said Williams. "Guys want to win, guys want to be great players, and you can't say that about every franchise. They're definitely on the right path there to getting better.

"I love the style (Colangelo) brings to the team," he added. "We worked a lot pushing the ball, he wants to play that kind of fast tempo. And you've guys like Chris Bosh on your wing and Mo Pete can stretch out the defense, and (Charlie) Villanueva can shoot the ball, the possibilities are exciting."

In June 2003, Williams crashed his new motorcycle into a light pole, fracturing his pelvis, tearing knee ligaments and damaging nerves in his left leg. He hasn't played in the NBA since.

The Chicago Bulls, who drafted Williams, honored one year of his contract even though he violated a standard clause. They waived him in February of 2004 after reaching a settlement on the remaining two years. The buyout was reportedly worth about $3 million.

Jim Kelly, the Raptors' director of player personnel, said while Williams is "very fit," it remains to be seen whether he's ready to return to the NBA.

"He's pressing for that, but to be honest, we haven't seen him in a full-court game," said Kelly.

Williams insists he's good to go.

"I actually think I'm ready to play now."

[Ruff Ryder]

That's Jay Williams if I'm correct. It's Jason but nobody calls him that because of that whiteboy down there in Miami. It'd be nice to see him come back though.

BTW, I think it's time for you to change your sig.

[Its_asdf]

I wouldn't mind if the Raptors gave Willliams a chance, especially since Mike James' return is still up in the air and probably unlikely.

[Jing]

yea Jay, be nice to see him come back after what he's gone though.
be funny if houston signed him

[Mayerhendrix]

I just started following basketball with the release of NBA Live 2004, how was he as a rookie?

He went to high school in my area

Knowing Colangelo, if he wants Jay Williams and if Jay's leaning towards Toronto, there's a good chance he'll end up there.

[GloveGuy]

He better be ready to return. He's been letting Billups own him throughout the whole series.

[BIG GREEN]

I remember this guy in college..he was the bomb. However, I knew he wouldn't be anything special in the NBA and his rookie season was a bust on the bulls. He was arrogant and didn't live up to his high draft...capped off with him breaking the nba rules by riding a motor cycle and subsequently fucking up his nba career. I was just thinking about this dude the other day....good luck to him..but he wont be anything special.

He better be ready to return. He's been letting Billups own him throughout the whole series.

Um...we're not talking about the white boy on miami. Did you read the first post?

[Rip32]

I remeber him with the bulls i loved him. He was so cocky it just made me like him. He took MJ's old locker and said he'd make it his own. I wish him well in T-dot.

[Fitzy]

i know him from nba 2004, itll be great to see him back

[Jugs]

Yeah, NBA Live 2004 flashbacks. He developed into a 99 overall player for the Bulls. Won the MVP like twice.

[zmac]

Yeah, Im so pumped for him to come back, I really hope he goes to either the Raps or the Cavs and develops well. He doesnt deserve any less.

[dada]

Ithink he will be productive in the league, it will take a short time to get accustomed their though. I never thought he was horrible with Chicago. Good luck to him and theres always room on the Laker bench for him.

[Andrew]

I have to admit I'd kind of like to see him back in Chicago rather than Pargo but then again he wouldn't be getting many minutes behind Hinrich and Duhon so it's probably not worth it.

[Donatello]

I have to admit I'd kind of like to see him back in Chicago rather than Pargo but then again he wouldn't be getting many minutes behind Hinrich and Duhon so it's probably not worth it.

That's what I was thinking, too. At first, I hoped for a Chicago return but then realized that they have a prettty good thing going with their point guard rotation. Maybe if they moved Duhon, Williams could come in and be the backup?

I remember he gave the Bulls first rights or whatever, what happened with that?

[Andrew]

Perhaps, but I don't think they should move Duhon just to bring Williams in since it isn't a given he'll be able to play well at the NBA level again. Duhon may not be a star but he's hardly a scrub and he's proven to be successful as a key contributor in the Bulls' system so I'd much prefer him to Williams.

As far as giving the Bulls first rights, I suppose he figures he doesn't stand a very good chance of getting a lot of playing time and he'd like a fresh start. That's understandable of course but considering the loyalty and good faith the Bulls showed him, it would be nice to know he'd give some consideration to playing in Chicago.

[GloveGuy]

He better be ready to return. He's been letting Billups own him throughout the whole series.

Um...we're not talking about the white boy on miami. Did you read the first post?

I guess the sarcasm doesn't seep through well enough.

[Christopherson]

Well that was a pretty pathetica attempt at sarcasm....

[cyanide]

There's too many Williams in the NBA. That name had made me search for a face for a bit till I remembered him in Chicago

I hope the Raptors get him, but I also hope he's in good NBA-ready shape and use that talent that he was gifted with.

[Fenix]

Some were really down on him during his rookie season, but I really liked him. Sure, he had problems with finishing at the basket, he didn't distribute as well as he could, but he was a good guy with decent work ethic and would eventually become pretty good. And still can, considering his smarts off and on the court, work ethic and desire to return to the NBA. Remember, he could have just quit and go into broadcasting, but he chose the hard way. If you gave me a choice of Duhon or him, I'd go with Jay. Funny thing is, he's only 24 and has probably higher skill level/potential than most of the PGs in this years draft, but people will look at him and see only the injury that he had. I really hope he'll prove them wrong and become a great contributor/starter in this League.

[Laker Socks]

Good luck to him and theres always room on the Laker bench for him.

The guy hates the triangle offense.

His bad performance in his rookie year was because Chicago was running the triangle that season. Awful triangle fit.

[air gordon]

I remember this guy in college..he was the bomb. However, I knew he wouldn't be anything special in the NBA and his rookie season was a bust on the bulls. He was arrogant and didn't live up to his high draft...capped off with him breaking the nba rules by riding a motor cycle and subsequently fucking up his nba career. I was just thinking about this dude the other day....good luck to him..but he wont be anything special.

He better be ready to return. He's been letting Billups own him throughout the whole series.

Um...we're not talking about the white boy on miami. Did you read the first post?

lmao- hindsight is blinding. lol i'm guessing you knew he was going to get in that motorcycle accident too

i didn't like williams and his 1st season sucked but the guy had the skills, worth ethic, & pedigree to be a great player in the league. but now no one will ever know

[Abctest123]

If he does sign with the Raptors, where does this leave barrett? Does Williams play behind Barrett or in front? I wouldnt mind giving him a try, but i kinda see a problem. If we dont draft a point guard, the Raptors will have a very inexperienced point guard rotation. Even if experience might not be a factor, im not so sure if barrett and williams are good enough to be a primary backup point. However, if we do draft a point guard, Im not sure if we should sign him, mainly because of the log jam it would create. Once again, keep in mind we have Barrett's contract (though hes tradable i guess, and i think also finishes cotract at the end of 06-07 season). Not saying we should draft a pg or anything or whetherto sign this guy or not. Just something to think or discuss.

[Cable]

Oh god, not another Williams.

Seriously, I'd be interested to see where he would fit into the team.

[GloveGuy]

Expect big things to come out of him.

He's back.

[[L3]1101]

Yea i read the article on williams on draftexpress. Sees like the scouts were very impressed with him. I wouldn't mind seeing him play for the raptors.

If he does sign with the Raptors, where does this leave barrett? Does Williams play behind Barrett or in front? I wouldnt mind giving him a try, but i kinda see a problem. If we dont draft a point guard, the Raptors will have a very inexperienced point guard rotation. Even if experience might not be a factor, im not so sure if barrett and williams are good enough to be a primary backup point. However, if we do draft a point guard, Im not sure if we should sign him, mainly because of the log jam it would create. Once again, keep in mind we have Barrett's contract (though hes tradable i guess, and i think also finishes cotract at the end of 06-07 season). Not saying we should draft a pg or anything or whetherto sign this guy or not. Just something to think or discuss.

Do you seriously think we should compare Barrett and Williams? Barret is getting paid like 700k and we can buy him out for less. Barret is still a good backup but definetly not a starter or a second pg. The question should be is Calderon gonna be starting or the new pg. If we do draft a point guard, most likely Marcus Williams, than Jay Williams probably won't be signed.