While Lou Williams will best be remembered among NBA circles for his role as a sixth man, the 36-year-old feels that his career deserves some even more significant recognition.
Speaking with TMZ Sports, Williams boldly declared his belief that he belongs in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions as a sixth man throughout his 17-year career.
Williams, who retired from the NBA in June, indicated he feels that both he and Jamal Crawford deserve to follow in the footsteps of fellow career sixth man, Spurs legend Manu Ginóbili, and earn enshrinement into the Hall of Fame.
“I definitely think we’re all Hall of Famers. We contributed to the game. I think the Hall of Fame is what you bring to the table and being the best at what you do in the realm of basketball. I think we all did that,” said Williams of himself, Crawford, and the already-enshrined Ginóbili.
Williams and Crawford are the NBA’s only ever three-time winners of the Sixth Man of the Year award. Williams played 17 seasons in the NBA while Crawford spent 20 years in the league. Despite the longevity of their careers, neither player made a single All-Star Game.
Ginóbili has a far more decorated resumé than Williams or Crawford, which includes two All-Star Games, four NBA championships, and two All-NBA selections.
In addition to Williams’s comments about the Hall of Fame, he also indicated he wants the league to name the Sixth Man of the Year award after him.
“That would be an honor,” said Williams. “If not me, Jamal [Crawford]. If not Jamal, Manu [Ginóbili]. I think we're three guys that champion that. We made it a lifestyle."
