The basketball world lost a legend on Wednesday, as former NBA point guard Gus Williams passed away at the age of 71, nearly five years after suffering a major stroke.
As reported by Tim Booth of The Seattle Times, Williams’ passing marks the end of an era for one of the most pivotal players in the history of the Seattle SuperSonics.
Williams, a 6-foot-2 point guard whose nickname “The Wizard” aptly reflected his court vision and skill, was an instrumental part of the Sonics’ lone NBA championship in 1979.
Over the course of his 11-season career, which included stints with the Golden State Warriors, Seattle SuperSonics, Washington Bullets (now Wizards), and Atlanta Hawks, Williams established himself as one of the most dynamic and consistent players of his era.
In Seattle, Williams became a household name, earning two All-Star appearances and two All-NBA honors. He averaged 20.3 points, 6.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game during his six seasons with the Sonics, playing a key role in the franchise’s success.
Williams’ stats were even more impressive in the postseason, where he averaged 23.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2 steals in 69 career playoff games.
But it was in the 1979 NBA Finals that Williams truly solidified his place in history. He turned in a memorable performance, averaging 29.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on the way to securing the Sonics’ first and only NBA championship.
His playmaking and scoring ability helped propel Seattle to a 4-1 Finals victory over the Washington Bullets, forever cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Before his NBA career, Williams shone as a star at USC, and his transition to the NBA was seamless, where his leadership and ability to score in a variety of ways made him a central figure for each team he played on.
While Williams was known for his dazzling play on the court, his contributions to the game and his city go beyond the numbers. His leadership, especially during that magical 1979 championship run, continues to inspire those who followed in his footsteps, particularly within the Seattle basketball community.
Our thoughts are with Gus Williams’ family, friends, and everyone who was touched by his talent and character. He may no longer be with us, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of Sonics fans and basketball lovers everywhere.
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