Former Chicago Bull Jay Williams Ends NBA Comeback

November 08 07

Mike McGraw reports on Jay Williams retiring from the NBA:

Former Bulls guard Jay Williams has no plans to resume his basketball career. Williams is working for a fitness company, doing motivational speaking and wants to advance in the business world, according to agent Kevin Bradbury.
The No. 2 pick of the 2002 draft, Williams attempted an NBA comeback last season after taking three years to recover from serious injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident on Chicago’s North Side.
The 6-foot-2 guard played five preseason games with the New Jersey Nets, then spent about a month with the Austin Toros in the D-League before being released Dec. 31.

My Quick Take: I hated Jay Williams. Actually, I hated Jason Williams, who played for Duke and dominated college basketball for three years. It was nothing personal. I just never liked the Blue Devils.

My grudge ended once Williams entered the NBA. This was when the lightning quick guard changed his first name from Jason to Jay. A new beginning for both of us, I guess.

What happened next was tragic. After completing a so-so rookie season, Williams sustained a serious leg injury riding on a motorcycle.

This was an unfortunate decision. Players, according to NBA contracts, are forbidden from riding motorcycles.

Contracts were the least of his worries. The accident was serious. Doctors believed Williams would never walk again and basketball was over.

Through years of hard work, Williams regained the use of his leg and even tried out for the New Jersey Nets in 2005.

Unfortunately, his comeback didn’t work out. But Williams has a great story, something much more inspiring, special, and important than your typical NBA career.

He’ll make a great motivational speaker. I can even forgive him for playing for Duke.

What do you think of Jay Williams’ story? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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11 Comments: Former Chicago Bull Jay Williams Ends NBA Comeback

Posted by
Juwan
on 06.24.2008

I sure hope JayWill continues his NBA career not only was he a tremendous point guard with oustanding potential, but an exellent leader who made everyone around him better. So I wish the best of luck to him. Da league needs u JWill. .

Posted by
Duke 22
on 06.4.2008

Jay its been a while man..I still believe in your, but best of luck man you overcame a lot of obstacles .

Posted by
The One
on 03.3.2008

Jay Comeback man I believe in you...but if not youll make a big impact wherever you gogood luck manComeback Kid #22 .

Posted by
Jay Williams aka the comeback kid
on 02.2.2008

Jay Williams had an amazin career with Duke. I will never forget those days. As a big Duke fan he was the leader and played with heart. I’m sad to hear this is the end of the feel good story of an incredible comeback. Jay Williams would fit on a few teams if he’d just been given a chance. Jay, I wish you the best of luck in the business world, but as you know lifes all about the comeback and if this is truthfully then end I think its worth it. You will be missed, .

Posted by
b4hoops.blogspot.com
on 11.11.2007

Same here. Used to hate JWill when he played for the Dukies. But, I respected his game, and thought he would be an NBA star. Dude couldn’t really shoot that well, but was so quick and could get to the lane against anybody. Well, wish JWill the best of luck in whatever he does. It’s sad to know that a potentially great NBA career was derailed. .

Posted by
C.Y. Ellis
on 11.8.2007

I had the good fortune to bump into Jay at a charity game in 2005, and I don’t think I’ve ever met a more affable NBA player. It’s sad to see his NBA days are over, but Jay is one of the few guys out there who can contribute as much off the court as on it. I wish him the best of luck with his future career, whatever that is. .

Posted by
buba
on 11.8.2007

damn damn damn !!!!! .

Posted by
standing on last leg
on 11.8.2007

I was a top football tightend prospect. I did the same thing, I got on my dads motorcycle, and smashed into a semi-truck. It was so severe, the medical team had to cut one of my legs off. It was no doubt the stupidest thing I ever did. Jay was blessed to still have both legs and be waliking, although it didn’t turn out the way he probably wanted it to. I have also become a motivational speaker and it has made a difference in young athletes lives. I’m sure Jay will have the same impact, and I wish nothing but the best for him. I enjoyed watching him play basketball, and will enjoy watching him speak. Please young athletes, be smart and careful with all the decisions you make, because if the smallest ones, can mess you up for life. God Bless You All! .

Posted by
I.Dot
on 11.8.2007

Dang, I hoped that he would be playing n the NBA after getting some time with the Nets. Man, I wish him the best. .

Posted by
iceman 360
on 11.8.2007

i hate to see him end his career this way. i though, after a mediocre rookie season, he’d bounce back and bitchslap all the haters. i hope future prospects would learn from this. .

Posted by
Leg man
on 11.8.2007

I wish Jay the best and hopefully his legs hold up! .

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Former Chicago Bull Jay Williams Ends NBA Comeback

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