The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey last week, the highest honor the team can give to one of the most iconic players in franchise history. The game happened against the Sacramento Kings, which are the current team of someone else who will probably get his jersey retired by the Raptors some day, DeMar DeRozan.
While the night was all about Carter, there was some tension between DeRozan and noted Raptors fan Drake, which presumably all revolves around DeRozan appearing in the music video for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The whole ordeal rubbed former Toronto player Lou Williams the wrong way, which he expressed on FanDuel’s “Run It Back.”
“If I’m gonna speak candidly, I thought that was selfish of Drake,” Williams said. “Drake, as well as the country of Canada, the city of Toronto, they know what DeMar DeRozan has contributed to the culture up there, and what he’s contributed to the Toronto Raptors, and to that community. It goes way bigger than his personal relationship with Drake, it goes way bigger than his personal relationship with Kendrick Lamar. So for Drake to say, ‘If you put up a banner and I’ll personally pull it down,’ it’s like, is it just about you or is it about the Toronto Raptors?”
Drake expressed during the game that if the Raptors put up a DeRozan banner, “I’ll go up there and pull it down myself.” DeRozan was asked to respond to this after the game and told the press that “He gonna have a long way to climb to take it down. So, tell him good luck.” The following day, DeRozan posted a clip from Friday to his Instagram Story, and it’s not hard to read between the lines that he was talking about Drake.
Lou Williams is a celebrated NBA player known for his scoring prowess and exceptional performance off the bench. he has carved out a remarkable career in professional basketball. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $16 million, according to Fan Arch. Williams’s journey from high school prodigy to one of the most reliable sixth men in NBA history highlights his talent, perseverance, and impact on the game.
Born on October 27, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee, Lou Williams showed early promise as a basketball player. His exceptional skills and scoring ability caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, leading him to forgo college and declare for the NBA draft straight out of high school. Williams’s career is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. It has also enabled him to remain a key contributor to every team he has played for.
Early Career & NBA Draft
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 23: Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court against the Charlotte. Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on January 23, 2022, also in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Lou Williams’s path to the NBA began with a standout high school career at South Gwinnett High School in Georgia. He earned national recognition as one of the top prep players in the country. His impressive performances led to him being selected in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Although he was picked 45th overall, Williams quickly demonstrated that he had the skills and determination to succeed professionally.
During his early years with the 76ers, Williams developed his game. He honed his scoring ability and learning the intricacies of NBA play. His work ethic and perseverance paid off as he gradually earned more playing time and became a valuable asset to the team. By the end of his stint in Philadelphia, Williams had established himself as a reliable scorer and a dynamic presence off the bench.
Rise To Prominence & Sixth Man Success
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 26: Lou Williams #6 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the Sacramento. Kings during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 26, 2022, also in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Lou Williams’s career took a significant leap forward when he joined the Atlanta Hawks in 2012. It was with the Hawks that Williams truly began to flourish as one of the league’s premier sixth men. His ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense became his trademark. He was soon recognized for his contributions with the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2015. This was also during his time with the Toronto Raptors.
Williams continued to excel in this role with subsequent teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. However, his most notable achievements came with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he won two more Sixth Man of the Year awards in 2018 and 2019. His tenure with the Clippers solidified his reputation as one of the best sixth men in NBA history, known for his clutch performances and scoring versatility.
Personal Life & Legacy
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Lou Williams accepts the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Award onstage during the 2019 NBA Awards presented by Kia on TNT at Barker. Hangar on June 24, 2019, also in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports)
Beyond his professional achievements, Lou Williams is known for his unique personality and contributions off the court. He has been open about his life experiences and challenges, using his platform to inspire others. Williams is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including initiatives to support underprivileged youth and communities.
Williams’s personal life, including his relationships and lifestyle, has often been a topic of interest for fans and the media. Despite the attention, he has managed to maintain a focus on his career and personal growth, demonstrating resilience and a strong sense of self. Further, as Lou Williams continues to play and potentially transition into new roles within the basketball world, his legacy as a dynamic scorer and influential sixth man is firmly established. His net worth of $16 million reflects his success on the court, his impact on the sport, and his ability to connect with fans and communities.
Lou Williams has reacted to discussions of whether he, among other players, deserves a place in the Hall of Fame. “We both got 3. I hope my big brother gets in first!! He sets the stage for me and everybody else coming behind us. Much love homies,” Williams wrote in response to a tweet from the The Tidal League. During the segment in question, Myles Turner said this of Crawford and Williams – “For what they’ve done culturally, yes. But in the business of this league for what they’ve done they never got the recognition they deserved.”
Williams retired earlier this year after 17 years in the NBA. He was drafted 45th overall in 2005 out of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Georgia. Furthermore, Williams was one of the last high school draftees to ever join the NBA, as the league prohibited teams from picking high school players from the 2006 draft onwards. Williams spent the first 7 seasons of his career with the Sixers. While Williams was a solid contributor, he was part of a Sixers team trying to find its identity after the departure of Allen Iverson. This was highlighted by Williams leading the Sixers in scoring during the 2011-12 season, despite starting 0 games for the team.
We both got 3. I hope my big brother gets in first!! He sets the stage for me and everybody else coming behind us. Much love homies https://t.co/cwMlMugRcu
Williams’ career was prolific. Becoming a free agent in 2012, Williams signed with the Atlanta Hawks but would be traded to Toronto in 2014. With the Raptors, Williams blossomed yet further into being a vital supporting player, picking up his first Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2015. Finding himself a free agent once again, the guard signed a three-year deal with the Lakers. However, he was traded once more in 2017, joining the Rockets. He was then flipped to the Clippers just a few months later, where he would spend the next four years. Finally, Williams was traded back to the Hawks in 2021.
How does one judge the career of a career bench player? Williams’ impact was undeniable, as evidenced by his three Sixth Man Awards and his record of most bench points in NBA history. But is the Hall for bench players? That is a question that many experts have long debated. Williams won’t be eligible for the Hall until 2028. Maybe the world will have a clearer view of the successful career bencher when he becomes eligible.
NBA veteran Lou Williams officially announced his retirement from professional basketball earlier this year. Williams was drafted 45th overall in 2005 out of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Georgia. Furthermore, Williams was one of the last high school draftees to ever join the NBA, as the league prohibited teams from picking high school players from the 2006 draft onwards. Williams spent the first 7 seasons of his career with the Sixers. While Williams was a solid contributor, he was part of a Sixers team trying to find its identity after the departure of Allen Iverson. Becoming a free agent in 2012, Williams signed with the Atlanta Hawks but would be traded to Toronto in 2014. With the Raptors, Williams blossomed yet further into being a vital supporting player, picking up his first Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2015.
Finding himself a free agent once again, the guard signed a three-year deal with the Lakers. However, he was traded once more in 2017, joining the Rockets. He was then flipped to the Clippers just a few months later, where he would spend the next four years. Finally, Williams was traded back to the Hawks in 2021. Williams also left his mark on the music industry. Having recorded several singles himself, Williams featured on Meek Mill‘s Sixers hype track, “I Want It All”. Elsewhere, Drake‘s “6 Man”, from his 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, was about Williams. Now Lil Wayne is adding to that musical legacy.
Wayne shared an unexpected freestyle commemorating Williams’ career. Furthermore, the verse was full of references to the veteran sixth man’s time in the NBA. “My n-gga Lou Williams, man, 17 years in the game, finally retiring,” he said. “You the hardest n-gga in the world when you know the whole fucking NBA community know that you went to the fucking club to get some fucking lemon pepper Lou wings. And I know you know that if that would’ve been anybody else, them n-ggas would not be in the NBA! … N-ggas got songs after you, and you deserve every single bar, you deserve all your flowers, man.”
It’s not the first time Williams and Wayne have crossed paths. Along with 2Chainz, Wayne appeared on Williams’ 2021 single “Big Tuh“. Furthermore, Wayne is a massive basketball and holds a lot of respect for players such as Williams. Wayne’s freestyle earned praise from the music and basketball world alike. Drake commented: “the greatest ever.” Trey Young, who played with Williams on the Hawks, added “This tough af” followed by three fire emojis.
Lou Williams officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on Father’s Day 2023. His retirement video was narrated by his daughter. Drafted 45th overall out of South Gwinnett High School in Georgia, Williams was one of the last high school draftees to ever join the NBA. In 2006, the year after Williams was drafted, the league prohibited teams from drafting high school players. Williams spent the first 7 seasons of his career with the Sixers. While Williams was a solid contributor, he was part of a Sixers team trying to find its identity after the departure of Allen Iverson. This was highlighted by Williams leading the Sixers in scoring during the 2011-12 season, despite starting 0 games for the team.
He went on to win three Sixth Man of the Year awards over a 17-year career. However, Williams also left his mark on the music industry. Having recorded several singles himself, Williams featured on Meek Mill‘s Sixers hype track, “I Want It All”. Elsewhere, Drake‘s “6 Man”, from his 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, was about Williams. Speaking of music, Williams recently revealed that a chance meeting with Jay-Z led him to decide to enter the draft out of high school.
Jay-Z Opened Lou Williams’ Eyes To The Benefits Of Pro Play
Lou Williams speaks on when LeBron James introduced him to Jay-Z
Williams explained how Jay-Z lead him to forgo college on a recent episode of The Starting Five podcast. “My thing was, my senior year in high school, I started experiencing things. I had this one night — LeBron and Mav [Carter] introduced me to Jay-Z. I kicked it with Jay for a night, and I went to school the next day,” Williams explained. That experience opened his eyes. “I was looking around the class, like, ‘I’m nothin’ like none of y’all [and] I started experiencing different shit.”
He continued. “So I was like, ‘I’m not going to sit in another classroom after this,’” he continued. I literally can’t do it, you know what I’m saying? I don’t think that’s going to be the path for me.”That chance meeting led Williams to turn down an offer from the University of Georgia to go pro. All in all, Williams made $85 million from this NBA contracts. Furthermore, he leaves the game widely considered the best bench player/sixth man to ever star in the NBA. All because he met Jay-Z before he could legally drink. Furthermore, follow HotNewHipHop for all the latest music and sports news.
Three-time NBA Sixth Man Of The Year Lou Williams officially retired from the league on Father’s Day. Williams’ announcement was made in the form of an Instagram video narrated by his daughter. “Finally, today, I’m happy you found peace with your decision,” she says. “You were a young dreamer out of South Gwinnett, one of the last to be drafted — straight to the league. You were eager to make a name for yourself.”
It turns out Jay-Z is responsible for Williams’ going 45th overall to the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft out of South Gwinnett High School, rather than playing at the University Of Georgia first.
“I went straight from high school [to the league],” Williams said to start a recent episode of The Starting Five podcast presented by DraftKings. “My thing was, my senior year in high school, I started experiencing things. I had this one night — LeBron and Mav [Carter] introduced me to Jay-Z. I kicked it with Jay for a night, and I went to school the next day.”
Lou Will continued, “I was looking around the class, like, ‘I’m nothin’ like none of y’all.’ I started experiencing different sh*t, so I was like, ‘I’m not going to sit in another classroom after this.’ I literally can’t do it, you know what I’m saying? I don’t think that’s going to be the path for me.”
Williams spent the first seven seasons of his career in Philly (2005 to 2012) before signing in free agency with his hometown Atlanta Hawks, where he initially played from 2012 to 2014. Williams ultimately finished his career in Atlanta, most recently appearing in 56 games during the 2021-2022 season, but he enjoyed stops with the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers in between.
Lou Williams, the best sixth man of all time, has announced his retirement from the NBA. The NBA veteran played for 17 years. Lou Will announced his retirement with the help of his daughter in a YouTube video.
Williams won three Sixth Man of the Year awards during his career and scored the most points off the bench in NBA history. Williams only started 122 times across 1,123 games. His point total off the bench is 13,396. Overall he has 15,593 points in his career.
During Lou Williams’s career, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and LA Clippers.
NBA veteran Lou Williams has officially announced that he is retiring from professional basketball. Williams was drafted 45th overall in 2005 out of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Georgia. Furthermore, Williams was one of the last high school draftees to ever join the NBA, as the league prohibited teams from picking high school players from the 2006 draft onwards. Williams spent the first 7 seasons of his career with the Sixers. While Williams was a solid contributor, he was part of a Sixers team trying to find its identity after the departure of Allen Iverson. This was highlighted by Williams leading the Sixers in scoring during the 2011-12 season, despite starting 0 games for the team.
Becoming a free agent in 2012, Williams signed with the Atlanta Hawks but would be traded to Toronto in 2014. With the Raptors, Williams blossomed yet further into being a vital supporting player, picking up his first Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2015. Finding himself a free agent once again, the guard signed a three-year deal with the Lakers. However, he was traded once more in 2017, joining the Rockets. He was then flipped to the Clippers just a few months later, where he would spend the next four years. Finally, Williams was traded back to the Hawks in 2021.
Williams Ends Iconic Career
After a 17-year NBA career, Lou Williams announces he has retired from basketball. Williams is a three-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner and the NBA’s all-time leading bench scorer.
Williams announced his retirement after not playing in the 2022-23 season. He ends his career with three Sixth Man of the Year awards, just the second player after Jamal Crawford to win the award three times. Furthermore, Williams was just the second player to win the award in back-to-back years. Williams ends his career with 15,593 points, which means he leaves the NBA as the league’s all-time bench scorer.
However, Williams also left his mark on the music industry. Having recorded several singles himself, Williams featured on Meek Mill‘s Sixers hype track, “I Want It All”. Elsewhere, Drake‘s “6 Man”, from his 2015 mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, was about Williams. Williams played for Drake’s hometown Raptors at the time. He was also coming off a minor scandal of dating two women at the same time, which Drake referenced in the song. Congratulations on a historic career Lou, we hope you enjoy retirement.
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