Jason Williams defends Memphis amid negative NBA perception: "They were straight with me"

From Anthony Edwards admitting to not liking their travel dates to Memphis, to LeBron James wanting to see the Grizzlies franchise being moved to Nashville, the city of Memphis hasn’t enjoyed favorable publicity around the NBA.

However, Jason Williams, who spent five seasons with the Grizzlies, does not share that view. He still looks back on his time there with fondness, thanking fans and the city for wholeheartedly embracing him even to this day.

“Shout out to the Grizzlies,” Williams said on his show. “I played with the Grizzlies, man. I loved playing in Memphis, man. That was fun.”

Williams joined the Grizzlies in 2001 and instantly enjoyed his most productive individual years. He averaged a career-high 14.8 points per game during his first season with the team and was part of the team that reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2003.

The following season, the Grizzlies returned to the postseason, and Williams continued to play an important role. He averaged 17.0 points per game during the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, although the Grizzlies were ultimately swept.

Williams’ final NBA stint also came with the Grizzlies during the 2010-11 season. After being traded there by the Orlando Magic midway through the campaign, he appeared in just 11 games before his playing career came to an end.

After seeing the fans and the city constantly embrace him, Williams explained how that appreciation has remained one of the biggest reasons he still holds the city close to his heart.

“It was a dope crowd to play in front of. LeBron’s a little bit different than me, coming from LA. But the Memphis crowd treated me great. We had a great time when I was there,” Williams continued. “They were straight with me.”

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There is plenty of glamour associated with playing for major-market franchises such as the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks or the Boston Celtics.

Those teams have rich histories and massive fan bases, but that spotlight can also make it more difficult for guys.

On the other hand, in smaller markets such as Memphis, players can sometimes develop a different relationship with the community.

Effort alone can earn them a special place in fans’ hearts. That seems to have been the case with Williams. He may never have reached superstar status, but was treated like one during his time in Memphis.

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