'For me, smoking before a game wouldn't be a good idea' - Jason Williams when asked about marijuana in NBA

In April 2023, the NBA implemented a new rule stating that players will no longer be tested for marijuana use. This change sparked considerable conversation, including insights from former players such as Jason Williams.

During his own time in the league from 1998 to 2011, the rules around marijuana were much stricter. So, the retired point guard was pleased to see the new approach during his appearance on "PlayersTV." However, "White Chocolate" emphasized that even if pot had been legal at that time, he still wouldn't have used it before stepping onto the court.

"I don't think anyone should probably smoke before a game. For some people, it might help them, and I'm sure it does, but for me, smoking before a game wouldn't be a good idea," remarked Williams.

Pot fueled "The White Chocolate's" creativity

"White Chocolate" experimented with marijuana during his basketball career. This became evident early on when his use led to his dismissal from the Florida Gators after just 20 games. However, fortunately for the West Virginia native, this setback didn't significantly affect his draft stock, as in 1998, the then-talented playmaker was selected 7th overall by the Sacramento Kings.

What stood out in the years that followed was Jason's impressive flair on the court. The 6'1" player amazed fans with his impressive ball-handling skills and spectacular passes, including behind-the-back, through-the-legs, and even elbow assists.

One might wonder if marijuana played a role in these skills. This idea comes to mind when reflecting on a statement made during Williams' interview on "PlayersTV." In one segment, host Ashley Nevel asked the 49-year-old how cannabis affected his performance in the NBA. In response, "J-Will" remarked that it didn't directly "made him a better player." However, he noted that it enhanced his "imagination" in court.

Williams views alcohol as significantly worse

While Jason believes that pot has helped him in that area of his game, he recognizes that its effects can vary for each player. Therefore, the 2006 NBA champ with the Miami Heat stressed the importance of finding a personal approach to pre-game smoking, echoing the saying, "Different strokes for different folks."

For "White Chocolate," this viewpoint is reinforced by the idea that alcohol is "way worse for an athlete" than marijuana.

"After a game or whatnot, you go home and smoke one. It ain't like you're going to go out to the club, drinking a beer, speeding, or doing DUI things like that," he said, adding, "If anybody thinks that marijuana is a performance-enhancing drug, they've never smoked it."

Overall, the rule change prompted the former All-Rookie First Team member to commend NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. This decision certainly reinforced Williams' view that Silver, who has held the position since 2014, is a better commissioner than David Stern, who was in charge during his playing days. His admiration for Silver is especially noteworthy, considering his high regard for Stern's work—something "J-Will" mentioned in the same interview.