Sacramento Kings: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history
8. Jason Williams (PG) — No. 7 Pick in 1998 NBA Draft
Career stats (with the Kings): 208 GP, 11.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, .1 BPG, 2.9 TOV, 38.4 FG%, 30.1 3P%, 76.1 FT%
To describe the brilliance of Jason Williams wouldn’t do him justice as he stands as one of the most creative passers to ever step foot on an NBA floor.
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Williams’ arrival coincided with the start of the team’s golden age since being in Sacramento. While the focus during that time revolved around the rejuvenation of the team’s superstar, Chris Webber, Williams led the team’s attack, which was on its way to becoming one of the most potent offenses in the league.
At the same time, Williams’ penchant for flair and rather undisciplined nature, both on and off the court, led to multiple dustups over his tenure in Sacramento. As a result, Williams’ minutes on the floor gradually diminished year by year under the call of head coach Rick Adelman, leading to Williams’ reported dissatisfaction over his role with the team.
Things came to a head when the Kings decided to deal Williams as well as Nick Anderson in a 2001 draft-day trade to the-then Vancouver Grizzlies in exchange for Mike Bibby and Brent Price.
Despite his short stint and just missing out on the team’s overall pinnacle of success in later seasons, there’s no doubt Williams still remains one of the most indelible players in the franchise’s history.