Deron Williams Biography

Fast Facts

• Drafted third overall in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz
• Along with his wife, started a charity, The Point of Hope Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families
• Led Illinois to the 2005 NCAA Basketball National Championship game; the Illini lost to North Carolina 75-70
• Made the All-Rookie Team and was runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award in his first season playing in the NBA
• Was traded to the Nets in 2011 for two players and two draft picks
• Played in Turkey during the NBA lockout and had his jersey retired by Besiktas after appearing in just 15 games for the club
• Won a gold medal as a member of the 2008 USA Men's Basketball team at the Beijing games