Reggie Williams is a name shared by two NBA wings from different eras. Reggie Williams (born 1964) was a Georgetown standout, the No. 4 pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the LA Clippers, and a key contributor on teams including the Denver Nuggets during their famous 8-over-1 playoff upset in 1994. Reggie Williams (born 1986) starred at VMI as a prolific scorer, leading NCAA Division I in points per game in 2007 and 2008, then earned his NBA shot from 2010–2015—most notably with the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Bobcats—through efficient shooting and versatile wing play.
Career Snapshot: Two Paths Under One Name
- Reggie Williams (1964): Highly touted prospect, immediate NBA expectations as a top-5 pick in 1987.
- Reggie Williams (1986): Undrafted in 2008, climbed through the G League/10-day contracts, carved a rotation role by 2010.
College Pedigree and Pre-NBA Profile
- 1964: Georgetown star and member of the program’s championship era (including the 1984 NCAA title run).
- 1986: VMI icon; led Division I in scoring in 2007 and 2008 with eye-popping usage and volume.
Draft Status, Entry Routes, and Expectations
- 1964: No. 4 pick (1987), immediate franchise-building hopes.
- 1986: Undrafted (2008), opportunity earned via scoring gravity, spacing, and adaptability.
NBA Roles, Teams, and Context
- 1964: Two-way wing/forward; played major minutes in the early-to-mid 1990s, notably with Denver.
- 1986: Floor-spacing wing; most impact minutes came with Golden State (2010–2011) and Charlotte (2012–2013), plus short stints elsewhere.
Playing Style, Strengths, and Fit in Modern Basketball
- 1964: Strong slasher and mid-range threat, solid defender for position; fit well in up-tempo ‘90s systems.
- 1986: Catch-and-shoot weapon, secondary playmaker, off-ball mover; modern spacing friendly.
Stats & Milestones at a Glance
- 1964: 1987 top-5 pick; part of the 1994 Denver Nuggets first-round upset of a No. 1 seed.
- 1986: Two-time NCAA scoring leader (2007, 2008); NBA rotation contributor from 2010–2015.
Peaks, Longevity, and Health Notes
- 1964: Peak value in early-to-mid ‘90s, including postseason runs; longevity built on versatility.
- 1986: Peak burst with the Warriors came via efficient shooting stretches; longevity supported by shooting and off-ball utility.
Legacy Check-in for 2025
- Reggie Williams (1964) is often remembered for the Georgetown pedigree, a top-5 draft status, and his role on memorable ‘90s Nuggets teams.
- Reggie Williams (1986) symbolizes the modern scorer’s path: an NCAA megastar who proved that shooting and IQ can convert from the G League to the NBA.
- In 2025, both legacies feed the ongoing NBA discussion about draft capital vs. development and the enduring value of shooting wings.
Advanced Metrics and Team Impact
- 1964: Usage and on-ball creation in Denver-era lineups contributed to balanced offense during key playoff years.
- 1986: Positive spacing gravity and assisted three-point rates boosted offensive ratings for bench units; lower usage, higher efficiency profile.
Discussion Questions
- Which Reggie Williams had the more impactful NBA career—and why: draft pedigree and playoff moments (1964) or efficiency and modern spacing (1986)?
- How should we weigh NCAA dominance (2007–2008) against NBA role realities for Reggie Williams (1986)?
- Does the 1994 upset elevate Reggie Williams (1964) in “Legacy” debates more than box-score stats alone?
- In today’s NBA, which player archetype would teams prioritize: the 1964 version’s two-way wing or the 1986 version’s specialist shooter?
- What “Stats” best capture their value in a 2025 analytics context—on/off impact, efficiency, or playoff performance?
Share your take: In this NBA Discussion, where do you rank each Reggie Williams in Basketball history debates, and what “Legacy” markers matter most in 2025?