NBL legends Shane Heal and Andrew Gaze have paid tribute to former league MVP Chris Williams, arguably the best one-season import in the competition's history, who has died at the age of 36.
American Williams, who was reported to have encountered heart complications due to blood clots, was a pivotal figure in Sydney's first title win in 2002-3.
He stuffed the stats sheet, averaging 23.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists. 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks a game.
He shot an excellent 53.4 per cent from the floor, won both the season and grand final series MVP awards, made the All-NBL first-team and featured in the season top ten of seven statistical categories.
"It's a a sad sad day, he was probably the favourite import I ever played with over a long period of time," said former Boomers' point guard Heal, who was Williams' captain in his sole season with Sydney.
"An amazing player considering he was so young, 21 or 22 and straight out of college, it was his first pro job.
"He was just such a good player to play with and played such a valuable role and was critical to us winning a championship.
"I think he has to be up there among the best imports that have come to Australia, particularly at his age."
Heal said while Williams put up big numbers he wasn't a selfish player and had an incredible ability to make the team better.
"He had a great feel for the game, he just made the right decisions, you can't teach that," Heal said.
Current Kings coach Gaze played for Melbourne Tigers against Williams.
"Chris made an indelible contribution to the Sydney Kings," Gaze said.
"He was instrumental in beginning the championship era in Sydney and was a worthy MVP winner in the 2003 season."
Williams wasn't renowned as a shooter despite his impressive scoring deeds for Sydney.
"He wasn't very tall, and he wasn't a very good shooter, but he saw the game a bit better than most," said former Boomers' forward and Williams' Kings teammate Matt Nielsen.
"His ability to use time and space was his greatest strength, and it was amazing what he was able to accomplish with the tool set that he had."
After leaving Sydney, Williams played in Germany, Korea, Turkey, China, the Philippines and Iran.
