During an interview with NBA reporter Jared Weiss of The Athletic, Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams admitted that he does talk too much.
Williams has played for the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Hornets.
“The No. 1 thing I’ll say is that like, same way in Boston, you have to learn the people you’re around and continue to grow with the people you’re around,” Williams said. “I feel like the whole loud teammate or talked too much (thing) — yeah, I may talk too much. That’s probably the one thing I think is true.”
Celtics commentator Mike Gorman said Williams was a “bad locker room guy” during his tenure in Beantown. NBA insider Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported that the Mavericks were determined to move Williams at the trade deadline since the swingman rubbed people the wrong way.
Williams told Weiss that he can’t control what people say about him.
“You can’t control what people say or think and it’s never been something I tried to care about. I try my best just to care about the guys that I’m around,” Williams said. “I also try to treat everybody with respect, so it hurt a little bit. But at the same time, like, I don’t put too much weight into those reports. So I just want to let those things go and try and keep the same relationships I’ve had.”
Williams is averaging 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists with the Hornets while shooting 49.8% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
Despite the ups and downs he faced with the Celtics and in his brief time with the Mavericks, Williams is grateful for all of his experiences.
“I don’t want to ever talk bad about the places that I’ve been. I’ve been thankful for every experience,” Williams said. “Without Dallas, I wouldn’t have not only the contract that I have but also the potential here in Charlotte to be around friends, family and help a team get some success.
“The same with Boston, they helped me become the player that I am today. So I’m thankful for both experiences and try to continue to learn and continue to be myself throughout this league.”
Williams has career averages of 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists with the Celtics, Mavericks and Hornets. He was the 22nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
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