Herb Williams

The long-serving veteran who backed up Ewing and guided the Knicks to two NBA Finals.

Herbert Levene Williams, born February 16, 1958, is a former professional basketball player who served the New York Knicks for seven years starting in 1992. Before his tenure with the Knicks, he played eighteen NBA seasons from 1981 to 1999, beginning with the Indiana Pacers where he had his most productive years. Williams was a consistent center who averaged double figures in all seven of his full seasons as a Pacer. He later joined the Knicks to back up perennial All-Star Patrick Ewing, playing one game for the Toronto Raptors in 1996 before returning to New York. His career concluded after the 1999 NBA Finals at age forty-one.

Quick Facts

Born: 16 February 1958
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
High school: Marion-Franklin (Columbus, Ohio)
College: Ohio State (1977–1981)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 14
Drafted by: Indiana Pacers
Career number: 32

Lore & Background

Williams arrived in New York in 1992, spending seven years as the primary backup to Patrick Ewing. His time with the franchise was defined by resilience and leadership during critical moments. The team reached the NBA Finals in both 1994 and 1999, with Williams serving as a key leader on the roster. In the 1999 series, he held the unique distinction of being the only Knicks player to appear in both the 1994 and 1999 Final series, as Ewing was injured during the 1999 run. Even when playing sparingly, his presence on the bench and in rotation provided stability for a team that reached the championship round twice.

Reader's Guide

Herb Williams' coaching career with the Knicks began four years after his retirement as a player. He served under head coaches Don Chaney and Lenny Wilkens before taking over as interim head coach in 2005 following Wilkens' resignation. His tenure as acting head coach lasted only until July 26, 2005, when Larry Brown was hired. Williams returned to the bench for the final two games of the 2005–2006 season after Larry Brown fell ill. He continued as an assistant under Isiah Thomas and Mike D'Antoni, remaining on staff through Mike Woodson's era until Phil Jackson fired the entire coaching staff in 2014. Williams also coached for the Knicks' NBA Summer League team and was hired as an assistant coach for the WNBA's New York Liberty on March 26, 2015.

Did You Know?

Williams played exactly one game (31 minutes) for the Toronto Raptors in 1996 before being waived and returning to the Knicks.
Williams served as interim head coach of the Knicks during the final two games of the 2005–2006 season due to Larry Brown's illness.