Jason Williams amazed by the quality of the current playmakers

The “handle” of Jason Williams, it’s like riding a bicycle. Even at 47, the leader is still able to handle the orange ball like no one else. In any case, this is what he is trying to demonstrate at the “NBA 3X Philippines” 3×3 tournament organized this weekend in Pasay, a suburb of Manila.

Retired since 2011, the point guard has seen the game and the players evolve in the right direction over the past decade. For him, the current generation is much more talented than his, pointing to a LaMelo Ball as his possible successor in terms of profile.

“For me, it’s crazy how these quality point guards find these ways to score and also that they can shoot from so far away. I don’t think any of them play like I did. Maybe LaMelo Ball is getting a little closer. But the guys are so good and they can score 30 points every night, so it’s different. I never scored 30 points”, he reminded.

Jason Williams’ best point average did not exceed 15 points per game (14.8 in 2001-2002). That season, he still had a nice career record at 38 points in the colors of Memphis.

More productive in statistics and more versatile

The specialty of the “White Chocolate” which still makes him a benchmark today is above all his spectacular sense of the pass, and more generally his showman side with the ball in hand.

In terms of productivity, his time is also difficult to compare with what is done today since Jason Williams never exceeded 9 assists on average over a season, where three leaders today exceed 10 offerings on average. (Trae Young, James Harden and Tyrese Haliburton).

“I think there are just a lot more players who specialize in it compared to my time. There weren’t that many who did that. In addition, today the guys are so good that they can do everything”.

If there is one thing that hasn’t changed, however, it’s the amount of work you have to put in to be able to reach such a level and excel in handling the ball. His presence at the “NBA 3X Philippines” tournament alongside nearly 200 players allowed him to convey this message, on the importance of repetition and respect for work behind the scenes.

“I would say if you want to do things like that, like back passes, you have to practice too. You can’t just go out there and do it in game. I think you have to work, just like shooting, dribbling, defending and everything else”he continued. “The things I was doing required a lot of practice. I practiced passing behind the back, like Steph Curry practices shooting.