After an impressive 17-season run in the NBA, Lou Williams, a three-time Sixth Man of the Year, has officially announced his retirement. Known for his remarkable scoring prowess off the bench, Williams leaves behind a legacy as one of the league's most impactful substitutes.
Williams' retirement announcement, fittingly released on Father's Day, was narrated by his daughter. The video highlighted his journey through the league, from being drafted 45th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2005 to his final stint with the Atlanta Hawks.
Williams made his mark as a premier scorer off the bench, accumulating 13,396 of his 15,593 career points in that role. This impressive feat places him far ahead of other notable bench scorers, such as Jamal Crawford, who scored 11,279 points as a substitute.
Over his career, Williams played 1,123 games, starting in just 122 of them. He represented six different teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers. His final game was played in April 2022 with the Hawks.
His daughter's narration emphasized his resilience in overcoming injuries, struggles, and team relocations throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as the "Underground GOAT." She also highlighted his multifaceted personality, describing him as a mentee, teacher, friend, son, brother, and father.
At 36 years old, Williams retires with three Sixth Man of the Year awards, tying Jamal Crawford for the most in NBA history. He averaged 13.9 points and 3.4 assists per game over his career. Beyond his on-court achievements, Williams is also known for his humility and community involvement.
A memorable anecdote from his career involves an attempted armed robbery. The would-be robber, recognizing Williams and his contributions to the community, ultimately decided against the crime. Williams even bought the man a meal at McDonald's, showcasing his compassionate nature.
As Williams transitions into retirement, his legacy as a skilled player and a generous person will undoubtedly endure.
