“I give my grandmother $400 a month, and she thinks it’s $4 million” – Jason Williams shares what made his NBA journey so satisfying

Former NBA point guard Jason Williams didn’t garner many individual accolades in his 12-year career. In fact, he only had one: he was named to the league’s All-Rookie Team in 1999. Despite that, J-Willl remains one of the most beloved players in league history, thanks to his flamboyant play that resulted in numerous unforgettable highlights during his time with the Sacramento Kings.

As appreciative as “White Chocolate” is of the fanfare and the financial windfall that came his way, he emphasized in an interview with SLAM Magazine in 2015 that those things weren’t what he was most proud of.

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J-Will is proud that he made it

Growing up in Dupont in Belle, West Virginia, J-Will wasn’t pegged as a can’t-miss NBA prospect. In fact, his prospects of making it to the NBA slightly dimmed because of his troubled stint at Florida, where he played in only 20 games after getting suspended due to marijuana use.

However, Jason’s skill and talent were undeniable, which is why the Kings selected him seventh overall in the 1998 NBA Draft. J-Will went on to electrify the Kings and their rabid fanbase with his flashy handles, no-look passes, and deep three-pointers. The 6-foot-1 guard later played for Memphis, Orlando, and Miami, winning an NBA title with the Heat in 2006.

SLAM’s Rodger Bohn asked the floppy-haired guard if winning the championship was the crowning achievement of his career. Williams said it wasn’t.

“Just getting drafted and being able to take care of my grandmother. Just making it, really,” he said.

Jason made over $55 million in salaries over his career, but that never changed how he approached his relationship with his family, especially his grandmother.

“I give my grandmother $400 a month, and she thinks it’s $4 million. Sh** like that makes me happier than anything,” he added.

Williams looks back on his NBA title

As beloved as J-Will is, he also had his fair share of critics, especially during his time in Sacramento when he seemingly played with reckless abandon. For every flashy pass that he threw, there were a few turnovers and questionable decision-making that followed.

Despite this, Williams silenced his critics by winning an NBA championship with the Heat in 2006. By then, he was already 30 and had seven years of experience to help him refine his game.

“Winning takes care of everything. As long as you’re winning, all of the other bullshit is set aside,” Williams, who averaged 12.3 points and 4.9 assists per game during that championship-winning campaign with the Heat where he played with Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade.

“I’m playing with Hall of Famers, man. I just sat back, accepted my role, and we got a ring. Can’t nobody ever take that from me,” J-Will added.

For all the fanfare and financial rewards that come with being a famous professional basketball player, Jason never forgot his roots. And giving back to his grandmother was always at the top of his priority list.