Last night the Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks match had some heats going on. It’s because Steve Kerr lost his composure. The game had been frustrating, with several questionable calls. As the situation escalated, Kerr was seen arguing with referee James Williams.
The head coach was visibly upset, shouting at Williams before being hit with a technical foul. “This is a $1 billion industry,” he said, highlighting the pressure mounting on his team. Even Draymond Green had to step in to calm him down. So, now that you know what happened, there is one question all around the internet: who is James Williams? So to know who he is, read ahead as we have all the answers you need.
Who Is James Williams? Is he called Gucci Mane?
James Williams is someone you must have seen during NBA matches many times. He is an NBA official who has been a part of the league for over 13 seasons. Yes, after 13 years with 756 regular-season games officiated and 56 playoff games under his belt, today you see him among the top referees. Well, how will he not, right?
More than that, his tenure includes officiating in four major NBA Finals and twice being selected to officiate the NBA All-Star Game—first in 2013 in Houston and again in 2022 in Cleveland. However, it’s his extensive experience and consistent performance that have made him a household name among all NBA fans and players alike. But, other than his on-the-court stories, he is also known for something else.
He became a memorable figure for his fun-loving and personable nature. His reputation, particularly among players, extends beyond the typical referee role. Now let’s get into our other question: is he called Gucci Mane? Well, the answer to it is “yes.”
One of the more lighthearted aspects of his persona is the affectionate nickname he’s earned over the years: “Gucci Mane” or “Guwop.” This nickname comes from his uncanny resemblance to the famous rapper, Gucci Mane. Williams himself has embraced the nickname wholeheartedly. “I am Gucci Mane; at this point, that’s who I am,” he stated in an interview. “I’m actually shocked when somebody on the floor calls me James… Everybody calls me Gucci or Guwop. I’ve really just embraced it.”
For him, this playful moniker isn’t just about the resemblance; it’s a way for him to connect with players and fans on a deeper level. “It humanizes us, referees who are just cops out there,” he explained. “I’m not a big fan of it because that’s not how I referee. I go out there, I like to have fun. Engage the players, the fans, the coaches. While we have a job to do, you should still have fun while you’re doing it.”
The connection between Williams and the players is a special one. NBA referees or any referees are often seen as people with authority, but he takes a different approach. His sense of humor and his willingness to engage with players help create an atmosphere where he’s not just an enforcer of the rules, but someone who gets along with players that make them feel comfortable. This dynamic has made him a favorite among players.
The nickname “Gucci” gained even more popularity when Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant shared a picture of Williams on social media with the caption, “Me & Gucci ” The post quickly went viral and cemented his status as a beloved figure. “Once that thing went viral, my life has been completely altered forever,” Williams shared. He recounted an amusing story where he was recognized by a basketball team at the airport, with fans shouting, “That’s the Gucci Mane ref!” and asking for photos.
He has also experienced firsthand how his fame has extended beyond the court. “The other day I was at the airport, and there was a basketball team walking through,” he said. “They’re like ‘That’s the Gucci Mane ref!’ and ‘Can we get a picture?” The recognition and positive attention have made a significant impact on his life, but Williams continues to take it all in stride, always focusing on the fun side of things.
He honed his officiating skills in the NCAA and even officiated WNBA games. His basketball knowledge and dedication were clear from the start, and his career trajectory speaks to his hard work and passion for the game. He likes to keep things relaxed. “I don’t take myself too seriously,” Williams said. “We get to referee a kid’s game for a living, what more can you say.”
Now that we know a bit about Williams, let’s look at an incident between him and Kevin Durant.
Why did Kevin Durant once apologize to referee James Williams?
In 2018, during a heated game between the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks, KD earned his fourth ejection of the season. After a series of intense moments, he received two technical fouls, the second one coming in the final minutes. This left him frustrated, and he initially blamed referee James Williams for trying to “tech me up to get me back.” However, after reviewing the game film, Durant took full accountability for his actions.
“I was being an a**h*le last night,” he admitted openly. “I was being a j**k. I wish I could apologize to James because that’s definitely out of my character,” KD said. “I deserve whatever the league is going to throw at me,” he added. “I could be better. It was a great learning experience for me.”
Through his infectious personality, James Williams has proven that being an NBA referee doesn’t have to be all serious—it can be fun, too. What do you think?
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