The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent forward Marcus Williams from the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League for the remainder of the season and waived forward Aaron Williams. Marcus Williams is the 23rd Gatorade Call-up from the NBA Development League this season.
Selected in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Marcus Williams appeared in seven preseason games with the Spurs and averaged 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds before being waived on Oct. 27 and joining the Toros. The former University of Arizona standout re-signed with the Spurs on Dec. 26 and played in one game before being waived on Dec. 29.
The Seattle, Washington native has been a leader for the Toros in the D-League this season, earning D-League Player of the Week honors for the week of March 10, 2008. In 36 games with the Toros, Williams averaged 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 34.9 minutes. Williams started 23 games and also shot 52 percent from the field.
After starring at Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Williams enjoyed a stellar two-year career at the University of Arizona, being named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team in 2005-06 after playing in 33 games and averaging 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Williams averaged 16.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in his sophomore year.
The Clippers signed Aaron Williams as a free agent on Aug. 1, 2006 and the veteran forward appeared in a total of 68 games over the last two seasons, starting 12 games. This season, Williams has missed a total of 19 games due to injury while averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 9.9 minutes in 30 games.
Marcus Williams will be in uniform and available tomorrow night in Los Angeles when the Clippers host the Memphis Grizzlies at STAPLES Center.