Image via Complex Original
This week Jason Williams a.k.a. White Chocolate announced his retirement after 12 years in the league. As one of the most entertaining white point guards in NBA history, his game will truly be missed. There hasn't been a white baller with as much swag as J-Will since he was drafted back in '98, and by the looks of it there isn't much hope for the future (Ricky Rubio? FOH). From his dazzling dishes and mean crossovers on the court, to his outspoken character off of it, few in the league (black or white) could compare to White Chocolate. So, in honor of the end to a memorable career, here are Jason Williams' 10 Most Badass Moments...
10. Pass Fake vs. Atlanta Hawks
DATE: Unknown
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Miami Heat
COMPLEX SAYS: By the time Jason Williams joined the Heat, he was already in his 30's, but that didn't mean the vet didn't still have some playground in him. This okie-doke pass turned layup would even make the late, great Pistol Pete Maravich proud.
9. Dribble-Hop vs. Vancouver Grizzlies
DATE: 1999
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Sacramento Kings
COMPLEX SAYS: Yeah, we know it's far from HD-quality but this rare a clip was the only one on the net and we couldn't leave it off the list. White Chocolate's dribble-hop move on Mike Bibby was so stunning that the refs were forced to swallow their whistles (II) rather than call a travel or carry. Whether it's in HD or pixelated like ghetto stolen cable, sonnings are always easily recognizable.
8. Sick Dish to Corliss Williamson
DATE: 2000
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Sacramento Kings
COMPLEX SAYS: Great point guards always put out extra effort to make their teammates look better than they really are. Such was the case here when Williams faked the shit out of Shawn Bradley and the Mavs defense before dishing it to Corliss Williamson (who?) for the easy bucket. Sidebar: WTF is up with these pause-worthy soundtracks on player compilation videos? C'mon son!
7. Gets Gully with Reporters
DATE: 5/22/2010
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Orlando Magic
COMPLEX SAYS: After the Orlando Magic lost Game 3 to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, J-Will was pissed and a few reporters got a little too close for comfort in the locker room. While those pesky reporters interviewed his teammate Matt Barnes, Williams laid into them with this epic tirade. What, you thought White Chocolate was sweet?
6. School Daze
DATE: 1994-97
TEAM PLAYED FOR: DuPont High School, Marshall, Florida
COMPLEX SAYS: While at DuPont High School Williams was named the West Virginia Player of the Year in 1994 after becoming the first player in school history to reach 1,000 career points and 500 assists. Following high school, he went to Marshall and later transferred to the University of Florida where he set a school record for single-game assists with 17. Williams was later kicked out of school for testing positive for marijuana on four different occasions. Oh yeah, happy 4/20, everyone!
5. He's Still Got It
DATE: 12/30/2009
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Orlando Magic
COMPLEX SAYS: Despite being in his mid 30's, Williams was still the white guard with the most flava in the league and had no problems regulating young wannabes. Milwaukee's Luke Ridnour found out first-hand when J-Will danced on him with this mean crossover. #grownmanswag
4. Nike Ad with Randy Moss
DATE: 1999
TEAM PLAYED FOR: DuPont High School
COMPLEX SAYS: Randy Moss and White Chocolate were teammates on DuPont High School's basketball team in Belle, West Virginia during the early '90s. The marketing geniuses over at Nike took advantage of this fact and used some vintage footage along with a bit of editing to make this dope ad. Aw shit, two of pro sports' most badass athletes in the same high school, at the same time? Ain't nothin' but a gangsta party.
3. Dunk on Mario Elie
DATE: Unknown
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Sacramento Kings
COMPLEX SAYS: Most know White Chocolate for his ill passes or mean ankle-breakers, but despite his 6-foot-1 frame, homie had some hops. He put this part of his game on display with this nice flush over Mario Elie. Somewhere Woody Harrelson is feeling a wee bit jealous.
2. Wins NBA Championship
DATE: 6/20/2006
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Miami Heat
COMPLEX SAYS: After seven years in the league, Jason Williams helped Shaq and D-Wade lead the Miami Heat to a championship over the Dallas Mavericks. Unlike some vets who rode the coattails of others to get that elusive ring (yes you, Gary Payton), White Chocolate was actually the starting point guard averaging over 30 minutes a game and leading the team in assists during the series.
1. Elbow Pass
DATE: 2000
TEAM PLAYED FOR: Rookie All-Star Team
COMPLEX SAYS: During All-Star Weekend at the Rookies versus Sophomores game, J-Will broke out this trick pass to Raef LaFrentz that had yet to be seen on an NBA court before. When asked about the move, Williams responded: "I did it so you all wouldn't ever ask me to do it again." #swag #getoffme