Monty Williams

Date of Birth: October 8, 1971

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Monty Williams, born Tavares Montgomery Williams on October 8, 1971, is an esteemed figure in the world of professional basketball, known for his roles as both a player and a coach. Williams’ journey in basketball began at the University of Notre Dame, where he played college basketball before being drafted by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft. His NBA career spanned from 1994 to 2003, during which he played for the Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers. After retiring as a player, Williams transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. His first head coaching position came with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2010 to 2015. Later, he served as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. In May 2019, Williams was appointed as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Under his leadership, the Suns experienced a remarkable turnaround, culminating in an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, their first since 1993. Williams’ coaching style is characterized by his strong emphasis on teamwork, defense, and player development. Beyond his professional achievements, Williams is also known for his resilience and faith, which he demonstrated following the tragic death of his wife, Ingrid, in a car accident in 2016.

5 Interesting Facts about Monty Williams

1. Monty Williams played college basketball at the University of Notre Dame, where he was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that almost ended his career.

2. He was drafted 24th overall by the New York Knicks in the 1994 NBA Draft.

3. Williams won the NBA Coach of the Year Award for the 2021-2022 season.

4. He played for five different teams during his nine-year NBA playing career.

5. Williams served as an assistant coach for the USA Basketball team, helping them win a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.