The legendary guard, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award three times, announces his retirement on Instagram on Father’s Day. Lou Williams, one of the most prolific bench players in NBA history, has announced his retirement from basketball on his official Instagram page.
The veteran guard, who played for six different teams in his 17-year career, made the decision on Father’s Day, thanking his family and fans for their support.
Williams entered the NBA in 2005 as the 45th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, straight out of high school. He quickly established himself as a reliable role player, who could score and create plays off the bench. He earned the Sixth Man of the Year award three times in his career, in 2015, 2018, and 2019, becoming one of only three players to do so.
Williams played 1123 games in his career, averaging 13.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game on 41.9% shooting from the field. He was especially impressive in the 2017-18 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, when he averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game, along with 5.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
Lou Williams leaves a lasting legacy across NBA franchises Williams had the opportunity to play for six different NBA teams in his career. He started with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent seven seasons, before moving to the Atlanta Hawks in 2012. He then played for the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, before returning to the Hawks in 2021.
Williams was known for his exceptional skills as a bench player, who could change the momentum of any game with his scoring and playmaking abilities. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award three times, a feat that only Jamal Crawford and Kevin McHale have matched. He also holds the NBA record for most points scored off the bench in his career.
As he ends his NBA journey, Williams will be remembered by fans and peers alike for his amazing performances, clutch moments, and dedication to the game. He made a significant impact on every team he played for and on the sport itself.
