Top 5 Point Guards in OKC Thunder History

Gus Williams

Gus Williams, nicknamed “The Wizard”, is a perfect example of why there is no such thing as a typical NBA journey. Drafted by Golden State in 1975, he didn’t have much opportunity to shine for the Warriors – the team was a deep one that had just won the NBA title. In two seasons with the Warriors, he averaged just 10.5 points per game.

He entered the free agent market in 1977 and chose Seattle because, as per team’s media guide, “they were willing to give him a three-year guaranteed contract”, a rarity in those days. That deal worked out extremely well for the Sonics.

Williams would be magical in six seasons with the team, averaging 20.3 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. While he didn’t immediately start for Seattle, he still played over 30 minutes per game off the bench and was a key factor in Seattle’s championship team in 1979. During the Finals, Williams was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 28.6 PPG.

He was part of what many basketball historians consider the best backcourt in franchise history, paired alongside Dennis Johnson and Freddie Brown to form a potent three-guard lineup. At just 6’2″ and 175 lbs., Williams made two All-NBA teams in six years in Seattle even though he sat out an entire season (1980-81) in a contract dispute with the team’s front office. He was eventually traded to Washington in 1984 but still ranks among the franchise’s top scorers and playmakers. The team retired his jersey in 2004.

Next: One of a Kind, On and Off the Court