After being a member of the 2005 North Carolina Tar Heels national championship-winning men’s basketball team, Jawad Williams had a playing career that took him around the world, but did include some time in the NBA. He didn’t end his time on the court until 2022, and since then has stayed in the game on the coaching side of things. Now earlier this week, that led him to a new job in the NBA, and back to where he grew up.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Williams was joining the Cleveland Cavaliers as an assistant coach on Kenny Atkinson’s staff.
Williams was born in Cleveland and played in high school at St. Edward in nearby Lakewood. His couple year stint as a player in the NBA also came with the Cavs, as he spent parts of the 2008-11 seasons with them, which included being a teammate of LeBron James during his first stint in Cleveland. He finished his playing career having averaged 3.8 points in 12.8 minutes per game in 90 NBA games.
The ‘05 national champion began his coaching career over in Japan, where he ended his career as a player. Last season, he was on the Sacramento Kings’ staff in a player development role.
Cleveland is coming off a year where they went 64-18, finishing first in the Eastern Conference, and four games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who may be NBA champions by the time you read this, for the best record in the league. They were upset by the Pacers in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, though, as part of Indiana’s crazy run to the NBA Finals. However, that good a season led to some poaching from the team’s staff, which opened up a spot for Williams.
In college, Williams started 105 games for the Tar Heels, including 37 as a senior in the 2004-05 national championship season. At 13.1 points, he was the team’s third leading scorer, and fourth leading rebounder with four per game. He and Jackie Manuel were the only players to start every game for the Heels that year. He didn’t end up being drafted in the ensuing NBA Draft, but did end up making it there, as mentioned, as well as having a very long career overseas.
It has to be cool for Williams to get this opportunity with his hometown NBA team. Best of luck to him as he takes a big step in his coaching journey!