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The Washington Wizards announced that they signed Maccabi Rishon LeZion forward Johnathan Williams. He is averaging 12.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in domestic play within the Israeli Basketball Premier League. Since Rishon LeZion is also in EuroCup, Williams is also averaging 11.3 points and 7.8 rebounds a game in the continental tournament.
Williams played college basketball at Gonzaga alongside rookie forward Rui Hachimura. Though he was undrafted in 2018, he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams played a total of 24 games for the Lakers, averaging 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds off the bench. He also appeared in 26 games for the South Bay Lakers, putting up 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
Johnathan Williams will be available tonight and wear No. 19!#RepTheDistrict | @Iam_J3 pic.twitter.com/UEastqApYJ
— #VoteBeal (@WashWizards) December 26, 2019
On that note, the South Bay Lakers seem to be a “second G League” affiliate for Washington, considering that Moritz Wagner, Issac Bonga and Gary Payton III also played for them in the last couple seasons.
The Wizards were apparently able to sign Williams with a second injury hardship exception. Fred Katz of The Athletic reported on it earlier this week.
Wizards are close on a deal with Johnathan Williams, but it won’t get done immediately, per sources. The team will apply for a second hardship exception, which it expects to receive, given all its injuries. @MosesB1 was first to report Williams to Washington.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 23, 2019
We shall see what Williams can provide tonight when the Wizards play the Pistons later tonight.