Deron Williams is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on June 26, 1984, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and grew up in The Colony, Texas. Williams attended the University of Illinois, where he played college basketball for the Fighting Illini.
Williams was selected third overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2005 NBA draft. He quickly established himself as one of the best point guards in the league, earning All-Rookie First Team honors in his first season. Williams was a key player for the Jazz for several years, leading them to the playoffs multiple times and earning two All-Star selections.
In 2011, Williams was traded to the New Jersey Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets) in a blockbuster deal. He continued to play at a high level for the Nets, earning another All-Star selection in 2012. Williams helped lead the Nets to the playoffs in 2013, their first postseason appearance since 2007.
After several seasons with the Nets, Williams was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2015. He played for the Mavericks for two seasons before being waived in 2017. Williams then signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played for a brief period before being waived again.
Throughout his career, Williams was known for his excellent ball-handling skills, court vision, and ability to score from anywhere on the court. He was also a strong defender, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2008.
Williams retired from the NBA in 2018, finishing his career with averages of 16.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. He was a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection. Williams also won two Olympic gold medals as a member of the United States men's basketball team in 2008 and 2012.
Off the court, Williams has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including his own foundation, the Deron Williams Foundation, which focuses on helping children in need. He has also been an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about his own struggles with depression and anxiety.
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