Jawad Williams Starts Coaching Career With Sacramento Kings Summer League Squad

In 2023, Jawad Williams was designated player development coach by the Sacramento Kings. This week, the former star of North Carolina was granted the chance to coach the squad in the Summer League of the league, the California Classic. Williams won his first game in the professional ranks as the Sacramento Kings 1 defeated China 101-50 to start the tournament. With an 85-59 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, the Kings increased their record to 2-0.

In an interview with SacTown Sports, Williams expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “I’ve got the opportunity to develop and learn this game even more thanks to Coach (Mike) Brown. I am surrounded by amazing guys. I hope that my players represent who I am. Play tough and hard when you’re outside.”

Williams remarked that he was able to seize this chance because of a unique connection with Brown: “I didn’t make any decisions. I was going to do this, they informed me. It has to do with Coach Brown. I was advised by Coach Brown that I should do it. I will do all he asks me to do.

Despite being an All-ACC player at the end of his four years at UNC, Williams was not selected in the 2005 NBA Draft. He began his professional career abroad right away and played with the Cleveland Cavaliers for brief periods of time (2008–09, 2009–10). For Williams’ two seasons with the Cavaliers, Brown served as head coach. In 2022, Williams announced his retirement from basketball after a 17-year career that saw him play for 19 teams abroad. He claimed to have empathy for the guys on his summer league team who are fighting for a spot on the NBA squad.

Williams remarked, “I have been in their position.” “I recognize myself in a few of these guys. To make the roster, they are battling it out. For me, it took place. I hope that for a few of these guys, it will happen.”

Williams stated that he is living in the present and hasn’t considered starting a head coaching job in the future.

“I don’t have a clear cut objective,” Williams declared. “I’m frequently asked that question. My ultimate ambition is not to become a head coach. I’m having fun with the procedure. I work here every single day. I focus and work diligently on the task at hand. Whatever occurs, occurs. The lads have responded to me pretty well.”

Under Matt Doherty, Williams began his tenure at UNC in 2001–02. With nine game starts, averaging 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, he made an immediate impact. As a sophomore, he increased all of his stats, and as a junior, he contributed another outstanding season to Roy Williams’ first UNC team.