Former NC State Guard CJ Williams Starts 1st NBA Game

Former NC State Guard CJ Williams started his 1st career game in the NBA last night for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Williams’ journey to this point has been the epitome of perseverance. In 4 years at NC State, Williams only averaged 6.1 points per game, but because of a strong Senior season (10.6 points per game), and a good showing in the NCAA tournament, he landed a spot on ETHA Engomis, a professional team in Cyprus. He averaged 13.5 points in his first season as a pro in 29 games.

The following season (2013-14) he played for the South Bay Lakers in the G-League, and averaged 14.4 points and shot 44% from beyond the arch in 49 games.

In 2014-15 Williams jumped back across the pond, and played for Flexx Pistoia in Italy, and averaged 14.4 points in 30 games. The following year he played for JDA Dijon in France, and averaged 12 points in 35 games.

Last season CJ played for the Texas Legends in the G-League, and averaged 12.8 points and shot 38% from three in 50 games.

Prior to this season Williams signed a two-way deal that will have him see time on the Clippers and their  G-League Affiliate Agua Caliente. After averaging 14.67 points and shooting 41% from three through 6 games in the G-League, he was called up to he Clippers.

In his first 10 NBA games, Williams is averaging 10 minutes, 2.7 points, and is shooting 48% from the field.

At the end of his senior year at NC State, I would have put a ton of money down on the odds that Williams would never start a game in the NBA.

I would have lost a lot of money.

I’m glad I was wrong.

Thanks for reminding us to never give up.