Knicks' reclamation project Shawne Williams taking advantage of latest opportunity

Shawne Williams is the reclamation project within the reclamation project.

He's the guy who went from first-round pick to flop to in trouble to out of the NBA and back again. He's the same guy who became a villain for beating out the son of a New York legend for the final roster spot.

And apparently he can play a little as well. Williams, once a forgotten man on so many levels, scored a season-high 13 points in 21 minutes to help the Knicks beat New Orleans, 100-92, on Friday.
"Right now, I wouldn't trade this place I'm in for anything in the world," Williams says. "I'm playing ball. I love what I'm doing, and I'm with a great group of guys."

After sitting the first 17 games, the 6-9 forward finally got his chance last Saturday in Detroit and has now appeared in three straight games - all Knick wins. He has earned a place in the rotation and provides perimeter shooting, which is essential when Amar'e Stoudemire faces two and three defenders. On Friday, Williams made five of seven shots, including 3-for-4 on 3-pointers. The Knicks were a plus-10 with Williams on the floor.

That combination of size and skill is why former Indiana Pacers GM Donnie Walsh selected Williams 17th overall out of Memphis in the 2006 draft. Williams came in with much promise but instead of finding a home with the Pacers he mostly found trouble.

Williams was eventually traded to Dallas but clashed with owner Mark Cuban and soon the Mavs were paying Williams to stay away. In January they traded him to the Nets, who waived him four days later.

Williams spent last season at home and for the first time in his life, he didn't have basketball or much of a future.

"It was weird," Williams said. "But a light switch clicked on and I realized what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm supposed to be playing ball."

Williams rededicated himself and played for Charlotte over the summer. He was prepared to attend training camp with the Bobcats until his agent, Happy Walters, who also represents Stoudemire, said the Knicks were interested.

Williams accepted their invitation and was considered a longshot, especially since Walsh had given Patrick Ewing Jr. a partially guaranteed contract. But Williams outplayed Ewing and earned the 15th spot on the roster. The ultimate outsider had crushed the dream of the people's choice.

"We battled for that spot," said Williams, who was well-aware that Ewing was the sentimental favorite. "I know it went down to the wire. Patrick is a great player and his dad did great things for the organization. He had a great training camp and a good preseason. I just put it all in God's hands."

"All that I've been through," Williams says, "that stuff is out of my mind. I'm just playing ball. I'm just proving myself off the court day-by-day, just staying under the radar."