JASON Williams was the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft – but he was fully aware of his role on a championship-winning team.
Williams, 48, played point guard in the Miami Heat’s run to NBA Finals glory in 2006 and was nicknamed “White Chocolate.”
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That team featured Dwyane Wade at the height of his powers and a still-dominant Shaquille O’Neal.
Williams told The Sun: “Playing with such good players who I’ve been lucky enough to play with my whole career – it’s really made my job a lot easier.
“Just getting the ball to these guys and getting out of the way — that was pretty much my job.”
Williams was drafted 7th overall in 1998 by the Sacramento Kings.
He spent 13 years in the league in total with five teams – and won the sport’s biggest prize with the Heat in 2006.
That season was the first of three NBA titles the Miami Heat won in seven years.
Wade was part of the team that repeated with LeBron James in 2012 and 2013.
Meanwhile, Shaq won his fourth ring with the Heat in 2006, after winning three with Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Williams was Shaq’s neighbor in Florida and apparently played a big role in him joining the dominant center.
“Whenever we really needed a bucket, we could give Wade the ball and he would do it,” Williams recalled.
“Shaq being your second player, so to speak, is not a bad option.
“They were great players and great teammates, but they were great people to be around off the court.
“I know it sounds cliché and all, but those guys were normal humans and we had fun.”
Williams was speaking from the United Arab Emirates, where he played in the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League Finals.
He also revealed his prediction for the NBA Finals in June, with the playoffs well underway.
Just get the ball to these guys and get out of the way – that was pretty much my job
Jason Williams on Shaq and Wade
“I think Boston looks good,” he said.
“If I had to pick two teams to make the playoffs it would be Denver and Boston.
“When it comes to winning game seven, it comes down to those little things.
“Stay injury-free and have a little luck.
“Maybe getting a call or two from the refs or a few more free throws than the other team.”
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