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Williams' Draft Exchange Uneasy After 2003 Career-Ending Crash

6/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jay Williams said he felt uncomfortable during a June 24, 2026 draft exchange with Richard Jefferson and Kenny Smith.
Jefferson joked fans ‘didn’t see the future coming’ when the Bulls drafted Williams in 2002, and Smith quipped his career would have been without motorcycles.
A June 2003 motorcycle crash fractured his pelvis, tore ligaments and severed a nerve, ending his NBA career after 75 games in which he averaged 9.5 points.

History

Historical Context

On June 28 1995 the NBA held its first draft outside the United States, at Toronto’s SkyDome, introducing the new Canadian franchises the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies. The Orlando Magic chose Joe Smith with the first overall pick, while Kevin Garnett was selected fifth, marking the first high-school player taken in two decades. The event signaled the league’s expanding market and growing emphasis on youthful talent.

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Story summary

Jay Williams said he felt uncomfortable during a June 24, 2026 draft exchange with Richard Jefferson and Kenny Smith.
Jefferson joked fans ‘didn’t see the future coming’ when the Bulls drafted Williams in 2002, and Smith quipped his career would have been without motorcycles.
A June 2003 motorcycle crash fractured his pelvis, tore ligaments and severed a nerve, ending his NBA career after 75 games in which he averaged 9.5 points.

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