Buck Williams
Buck Williams: Nets all-time rebounding leader and three-time NBA All-Star.
Charles Linwood "Buck" Williams (born March 8, 1960) is an American former professional basketball player and former assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. He was well known for his rebounding ability and trademark goggles.
- Role
- Power Forward
- Franchise
- New Jersey Nets (Pre-Brooklyn Era)
- All-Star Selections
- 3
- Major Award
- 1982 Rookie of the Year
- Jersey Number
- 52 (Retired by Franchise)
- Status
- NBA Career Rebounds Rank: 16th
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Williams, a 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) power forward born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, ranks 16th all-time in National Basketball Association (NBA) career rebounds. His 17-year NBA career was highlighted by three All-Star Game appearances, a Rookie of the Year award, an All-Rookie team selection, an All-NBA second team selection and four selections to the first and second NBA All-Defensive teams. Williams led the Nets in rebounding for most of the 1980s and as of the beginning of 2017, he remains the Nets’ all-time leader in total rebounds (7,576), free throws made (2,476), and rebounds per game (11.9).
In Their Own Story
The Nets reached their first playoff second-round appearance since the 1976 ABA–NBA merger in 1983–84, falling to Milwaukee. Williams led New Jersey through the 1980s until a trade on June 24, 1989, sent him to Portland for Sam Bowie and a draft pick. In Portland, he joined guards Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter, making three Western Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals trips. The Blazers lost to Detroit in five games in 1990 and Chicago in six games in 1992. He started the first six of his seven seasons with the team before moving to the New York Knicks in 1996. There, he played behind Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley, missing 41 games in 1997–98 due to knee surgery. He retired on January 27, 1999.
Reader's Guide
Williams attended Rocky Mount High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, then played collegiately at the University of Maryland. He was selected third overall in the 1981 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. He played for the Nets (1981–1989), Portland Trail Blazers (1989–1996), and New York Knicks (1996–1998). He retired on January 27, 1999. The Nets retired his #52 jersey in April 1999.
Did You Know?
- Williams led the ACC in rebounding twice (1980 and 1981).
- He was selected to the 1980 USA Olympic basketball team but did not compete due to the U.S. boycott.
- Williams served as president of the NBA Players Association from 1994 to 1997.
- He is 4th all-time on the Portland Trail Blazers franchise career list for total rebounds (4,861) as of September 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Buck Williams to the Nets?
Charles Linwood 'Buck' Williams was a power forward selected third overall by New Jersey in 1981. He is remembered for his trademark goggles and relentless rebounding style during the franchise's early years.
What specific awards did he win?
Williams captured the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1982 after leading the team with over 12 rebounds per game. He also earned three All-Star selections while wearing the Nets uniform.
Which franchise records does he still hold?
He remains the all-time leader for the organization in total rebounds, games played, and minutes on the court. Additionally, his count of free throws made stands as a franchise record.
Is his jersey number retired?
Yes, the Nets officially retired his number 52 to commemorate his long-standing impact on the team. This honor recognizes him as one of the most durable and productive players in their history.
Where does he rank historically in rebounds?
Throughout his NBA career, Williams accumulated enough boards to rank sixteenth all-time in total rebounds. His consistency on the glass defined his legacy within the league.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in the Brooklyn Nets universe
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