'Big Nasty' faces big question mark
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Saturday, October 7, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1
And still standing: Corliss Williamson.
When he first arrived in Sacramento as a first-round pick in 1995, Williamson was the fresh-faced, crafty and tough difference maker. And he packed quite the V-8 motor. Sort of like the very Razorback mascot from his alma mater, Arkansas: a bit undersize at power forward but always with his nose into things, be it inside scoring, a rebound or a scrum.
Now in the midst of his second tour with the franchise, Williamson has gone from team pup to resident graybeard with 11 NBA seasons under his hightops.
Williamson, who will turn 33 in December, is the only player on the Kings' 18-man roster born in the early 1970s. Not that his body looks worn down. He looks as fit as ever at 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds -- more abs and muscle than plush.
Still, Williamson understands the end of his era is looming. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he doesn't know what his future holds.
With the Kings well-stocked at forward, does he try to pound out a 13th NBA season elsewhere or retire in his beloved Russellville, Ark., where he's revered as a hoops hero and for donating millions to youth programs?
"I know my career is coming to an end pretty soon," Williamson said. "But I know I still have a lot of basketball in me. When I retire, it'll be on my own terms. But I'm ready to play now, to have a good season."
Williamson is coming off his most frustrating season. Stuck behind a glut of forwards, he averaged 3.4 points in 2005-06, well off his career average of 11.3. What's more, he did not touch the floor in 40 games (coach's decision), though he generally drew the loudest ovation from Kings fans when he entered games.
New coach Eric Musselman told Williamson to come into training camp and fight for a job and has been impressed with the veteran's leadership.
"He's got a great demeanor, great body language, and he's played well," Musselman said. "He's been very positive."
Williamson still exhibits natural leadership qualities. Ron Artest said if he had to point out one man to be the team leader, it'd be Williamson.
Friday, at the end of a rigorous morning practice, rookie free-agent forward Louis Amundson kept missing free throws, resulting in a teamwide sprint from one end of the court to the other.
It was "Big Nasty" who talked to the youngster -- once with a game face that would have made a dog flinch and later when he simply asked, "You OK?"
Williamson's legacy is pretty sound in this league. He has been a starter and a scorer. He was named the 2001-02 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He was a key cog on the Detroit Pistons' 2003 title team. And now?
"As for this season? I don't know," Williamson said. "I come in with my eyes wide open. I come in with the same attitude I always have. I'll work hard. But if I sat here and told you I wasn't frustrated about last year, I'd be lying. But I've dealt with it. I'm anxious to see how it works out this year."
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/35370.html
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Saturday, October 7, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1
And still standing: Corliss Williamson.
When he first arrived in Sacramento as a first-round pick in 1995, Williamson was the fresh-faced, crafty and tough difference maker. And he packed quite the V-8 motor. Sort of like the very Razorback mascot from his alma mater, Arkansas: a bit undersize at power forward but always with his nose into things, be it inside scoring, a rebound or a scrum.
Now in the midst of his second tour with the franchise, Williamson has gone from team pup to resident graybeard with 11 NBA seasons under his hightops.
Williamson, who will turn 33 in December, is the only player on the Kings' 18-man roster born in the early 1970s. Not that his body looks worn down. He looks as fit as ever at 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds -- more abs and muscle than plush.
Still, Williamson understands the end of his era is looming. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he doesn't know what his future holds.
With the Kings well-stocked at forward, does he try to pound out a 13th NBA season elsewhere or retire in his beloved Russellville, Ark., where he's revered as a hoops hero and for donating millions to youth programs?
"I know my career is coming to an end pretty soon," Williamson said. "But I know I still have a lot of basketball in me. When I retire, it'll be on my own terms. But I'm ready to play now, to have a good season."
Williamson is coming off his most frustrating season. Stuck behind a glut of forwards, he averaged 3.4 points in 2005-06, well off his career average of 11.3. What's more, he did not touch the floor in 40 games (coach's decision), though he generally drew the loudest ovation from Kings fans when he entered games.
New coach Eric Musselman told Williamson to come into training camp and fight for a job and has been impressed with the veteran's leadership.
"He's got a great demeanor, great body language, and he's played well," Musselman said. "He's been very positive."
Williamson still exhibits natural leadership qualities. Ron Artest said if he had to point out one man to be the team leader, it'd be Williamson.
Friday, at the end of a rigorous morning practice, rookie free-agent forward Louis Amundson kept missing free throws, resulting in a teamwide sprint from one end of the court to the other.
It was "Big Nasty" who talked to the youngster -- once with a game face that would have made a dog flinch and later when he simply asked, "You OK?"
Williamson's legacy is pretty sound in this league. He has been a starter and a scorer. He was named the 2001-02 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He was a key cog on the Detroit Pistons' 2003 title team. And now?
"As for this season? I don't know," Williamson said. "I come in with my eyes wide open. I come in with the same attitude I always have. I'll work hard. But if I sat here and told you I wasn't frustrated about last year, I'd be lying. But I've dealt with it. I'm anxious to see how it works out this year."
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/35370.html
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