Buck Williams
Rebounding legend and Nets all-time leader in rebounds, games, minutes, and free throws.
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.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 8 March 1960
- Birthplace
- Rocky Mount, North Carolina, U.S.
- High school
- Rocky Mount (Rocky Mount, North Carolina)
- College
- Maryland (1978–1981)
- Draft round
- 1
- Draft pick
- 3
- Drafted by
- New Jersey Nets
- Career position
- Power forward
Lore & Background
Williams, a 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), games played (635), minutes played (23,100), rebounds per game (11.9), and free throws made (2,476).
Reader's Guide
Williams attended Rocky Mount High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina before playing collegiately at the University of Maryland. He helped lead the high school team to the 1978 North Carolina 4A state title and was named MVP of the state championship game. At Maryland, he captured the ACC Rookie of the Year Award in 1979, led the ACC in rebounding twice (1979 and 1981), and earned All-ACC honors in 1980 and 1981. He was selected to the 1980 USA Olympic basketball team but never got to represent the national colors due to the United States’ boycott. In 2001, he became a member of the University of Maryland's Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team. The New Jersey Nets selected him third overall in the 1981 NBA draft. In his first season, he averaged 15.5 points and led the team with 12.3 rebounds per game, earning 1982 Rookie of the Year honors. He played eight seasons with the Nets, never averaging less than twelve rebounds per game. On June 24, 1989, the Nets traded Williams to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Sam Bowie and a draft pick. In Portland, he played a complementary frontcourt role and helped the Blazers reach the Western Conference Finals three times and the NBA Finals twice (1990 and 1992). He is 5th all-time on the franchise career list for both field goal percentage (55.0%) and total rebounds (4,861) as of September 2018. After the 1995–96 season, he signed with the New York Knicks, where he played two seasons before retiring on January 27, 1999.
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.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in Brooklyn Nets
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced