In an era when score-first point guards were a rarity, Gus Williams brought a blend of speed, athleticism, and scoring that left fans in awe. Thus the nickname, The Wizard. Drafted out of USC by the Golden State Warriors, his real legacy began in Seattle. Over six unforgettable seasons with the SuperSonics, Williams didn’t just shine—he became the driving force behind their only NBA championship in 1979.

Picture this: a second-round pick transforming into one of the best guards of his time, breaking the mold and setting the standard for future generations. Even after his career wrapped up with the Atlanta Hawks in 1987, his impact on the game didn’t fade. Ready to explore how Williams’ stats, records, and achievements cemented his place in NBA history?

Gus Williams’ basketball journey told in numbers

It all started with the USC Trojans, where Williams began carving his path to greatness. Though he sat out his freshman year, his sophomore debut in the 1972–73 season showed promise. With averages of 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, he made himself noticeable. But Williams wasn’t one to settle. By his junior year, he upped his game to 15.5 points per contest, setting the stage for an explosive senior season where he crossed the 20-point-per-game threshold, finishing with 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

Those numbers didn’t just impress fans—they made history. USC retired his number 10 jersey. Along the way, he also earned spots on the 1975 First-Team All-Pac-8 and the 1975 Consensus Second-Team All-American. Not a bad way at all to wrap up a college career. Fast forward to 1975, and Gus Williams was ready for the pros.

The Golden State Warriors selected him in the second round of the NBA Draft. And the Spirits of St. Louis picked him in the ABA Draft. The Wizard chose the NBA, kicking off his career with a bang. His rookie season saw him average 11.7 points and 3.2 assists, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. Sure, he missed out on Rookie of the Year, but he made a strong case for himself.

The road, however, wasn’t always smooth, though. His second season with the Warriors was a bit of a slump, with his scoring dropping to 9.3 points per game. But if you know Gus Williams, you know he doesn’t stay down for long. Things took a dramatic turn when he joined the Seattle SuperSonics in 1977.

Right away, Williams nearly doubled his scoring to 18.1 points per game. And by his second season, he was averaging 19.2 points, showcasing improved playmaking, too. This was also the season, 1978-79, when he helped the SuperSonics clinch their first and only NBA championship. How clutch was he? In the playoffs, he posted a stunning 26.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 steals per game.

The Wizard, however, didn’t stop there. By 1979–80, he achieved the elusive 20+ points per game average and maintained it across three seasons, even after sitting out 1980–81 due to contract disputes. His final season with Seattle in 1983–84, meanwhile, saw him peak as a playmaker, averaging 18.7 points and 8.4 assists.

With this, although his time in Seattle came to an end, there was still a lot of basketball left in him. His 20 points and 7.7 assists per game for the Washington Bullets (Now Wizards) were a testament to this. But as his scoring dipped, he wrapped up his career with the Atlanta Hawks.

Still, what a career it was. Williams finished with averages of 17.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Numbers that tell the story of a player who gave it his all. The Wizard’s journey, however, isn’t just about stats.

What was the impact of Williams’ stats?

When you think of NBA players who truly left their mark, Williams’ name undoubtedly comes to mind. With 2 All-Star Game appearances, an All-NBA first-team honor in 1982, and an All-NBA second-team selection in 1980, his career stats alone tell an impressive story. But what set him apart wasn’t just his talent. It was his willingness to stand his ground, even if it meant clashing with management.

In the 1980-81 season, Gus Williams made headlines by sitting out the entire year due to a contract dispute with the Seattle SuperSonics. And if you’re wondering how much one player can impact a team, just look at the numbers. The Sonics tumbled from 56 wins in 1979-80 to just 34 wins without him. His absence was strongly felt.

And when he returned for the 1981-82 season, The Wizard made sure everyone knew he was back. Averaging a career-high 23.4 points per game, finishing fifth in MVP voting, and earning the title of Comeback Player of the Year, he was unstoppable. With the 2x All-Star leading the way, the Sonics surged to 48 wins before falling to Portland in the playoffs.

Beyond the stats, Williams also became a household name. From gracing the Sports Illustrated cover to being the center of one of the league’s biggest stories, his impact was undeniable.