Jason Williams (born November 18, 1975) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 12 seasons. He was a point guard known for his flashy passing and ball-handling skills.
Williams was drafted seventh overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 1998 NBA draft. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his exciting playing style. He spent three seasons with the Kings, helping to revitalize the franchise and create a team known for its high-octane offense.
In 2001, Williams was traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies (later the Memphis Grizzlies). He played four and a half seasons in Memphis, leading the team in assists and helping them reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Midway through the 2004-05 season, Williams was traded to the Miami Heat. He played a key role in the Heat's 2006 NBA Championship victory, starting alongside Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.
After a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies again, Williams signed with the Orlando Magic in 2009. He played one season in Orlando before retiring from the NBA. He briefly attempted a comeback with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2011 but retired again shortly after.
Nicknamed "White Chocolate," Williams was never an All-Star, but he was a popular and influential player known for his creativity and impact on the game. His style of play inspired many young players and helped to popularize flashy passing and ball-handling in the NBA.