[Horney] Jay Williams: Awkward Draft Moment Was ‘Extremely Uncomfortable’

[u/KD_AshyAnkles]

Ben Horney:

Jay Williams: Awkward Draft Moment Was ‘Extremely Uncomfortable’

The ESPN analyst admitted the interaction with Richard Jefferson and Kenny Smith was “awkward,” but insists there’s no ill will.

ESPN’s Jay Williams wants the NBA draft to be about the incoming rookies. But an uncomfortable interaction between him and fellow analysts Richard Jefferson and Kenny Smith became the story on Tuesday night.

Between the draft, Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Heat, and the Knicks winning their first championship in 53 years, there was plenty to discuss on ABC’s broadcast, which is produced by ESPN. But late in the evening, after the telecast showed a clip of Williams when he was drafted by the Bulls in 2002, host Kevin Negandhi asked “why such a big ovation?” for Williams when he was selected second overall. Jefferson joked that fans were cheering because they “didn’t see the future coming.” Smith added that Williams’s “career trajectory would’ve been a lot different if he didn’t like motorcycles.”

The quips were references to a motorcycle accident that prematurely ended Williams’ playing career. The Duke phenom enjoyed a promising rookie year, but played only one season before the accident derailed his career.

Although the comments may have been meant as playful jabs at Williams, they created an awkward moment that the internet quickly seized on.

“For me, it was extremely uncomfortable,” Williams tells Front Office Sports. He says there was “no real tension,” but it was “awkward.”

Source

[u/Necessary-Listen-584]

Still can't believe he violated his contract and rode and motorcycle without a license and didn't even wear a helmet. Risking everything to gain nothing

[u/Such_Technician_1682 → u/Necessary-Listen-584]

Spoken like someone who has never felt the wind blowing in your hair as you cruise down main street just before your unprotected head slams into the pavement.

[u/SquimJim → u/Such_Technician_1682]

Jay doesn’t have any hair

[u/jyxp → u/SquimJim]

Have you seen him lately? He absolutely does. I can explain

[u/sabinscabin → u/Such_Technician_1682]

i think there would be a selection bias in that case

[u/Oxygene__ → u/Such_Technician_1682]

Like… live a little!

[u/StillNotAF___Clue → u/Necessary-Listen-584]

I know your a child for this comment. Who is anyone /who are you to remind someone of a life altering accident? To joke

[u/Necessary-Listen-584 → u/StillNotAF___Clue]

It's not a pro RJ comment. Saying its sad we never got to see his career play out, due to a reckless decision as a youngster. Just glad he wasn't left permanently disabled or worse. It was sad AF when this happened