Home/NBA
feature-image
feature-image

There is no doubt that Gucci Mane, known by his stage name Guwop is one of the finest rappers in the country. In fact, he is a rap legend who brought tremendous change to the hip-hop culture. Over the years, the $14 million rich rapper has garnered much appreciation from the music world. Now, the rapper’s lookalike, an NBA referee, has the internet buzzing with his recent interview.

The NBA referee who looks like the now 43-year-old rapper is none other than James Williams. He is currently in his 13th season and till now has officiated 693 regular games. Williams is often referred to as ‘Gucci’ or ‘Guwop’ on the hardwood, and he recently opened up about living his life as a doppelganger of the Atlanta-based rapper.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

James Williams embraces living his life as Gucci Mane’s doppelganger

In one of the recent episodes of ‘The Crown Refs Podcast’, Williams revealed how it feels to live as the lookalike of Gucci. He said, “I am Gucci Mane, at this point that’s who I am. I’m actually shocked when somebody on the floor calls me James…. everybody calls me Gucci or Guwop. I’ve really just embraced it.” 

In 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies centerpiece Ja Morant shared a picture of him with Willaims. The caption of the photo read, “me & gucci (emoji)”

In light of the above photo with Morant, Williams said in the interview, “Once that thing went viral, my life has been completely altered forever.”

Subsequently, he recalled that once, a basketball team identified him as the Atlanta-based rapper and asked for a picture at the airport. However, Williams finished by saying he doesn’t take it seriously when someone identifies him as the 43-year-old rapper.

NBA fans reflected on the statements of Williams

Shortly after Williams shared his views on people identifying him as Gucci Mane, his statements elicited the attention of the fans. They took to Instagram to express their thoughts. Apparently, the fans gave mixed reactions. One fan commented, “Someone’s pops got some explaining to do.”

Read more- Ex-Teammate LeBron James Finally Breaks Silence on Russell Westbrook’s Wife’s Cryptic Words Against “Vampire” Claims Impacting the NBA Fans

Here are some of the other reactions:

“He needs to change his jersey number to 1017 for the culture”

“There literal no chance they’re not related”

“we need more refs like this”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“c’mon Gucci why you call that”

“Actually seems like a really good dude”

“That’s why he catches my eye every time”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story- Most iconic Christmas NBA battles featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant

Do you find a strong resemblance? Let us know in the comments below.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT