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Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad

As noted by idjpg85 in the comments to the Miscellany post, it's confirmed Corliss Williamson will announce his retirement tomorrow in Arkansas.

Big Nasty isn't the typical StR mancrush -- his stats aren't very good, he's not a wild-eyed youth we dream a team can be built around. He's a cagey-ass old dude who seamlessly alternates between scruffy robot and Keith Sweat. Some of those post moves he pulls are downright silky; other actions, like driving the lane or rolling off a screen, come off like Gheorge Muresan's balky soul. This improbable YouTube capture involving John Salmons sums the sentiment more than words could:

Beyond his 'outsider art' game, part of my... empathy for Nasty revolves around the actual logistics of his Sacramento stay. He enjoyed modest success during the budding of the Kings empire (and might have been Jason Williams' second favorite target behind Chris Webber), but got shipped out as contention hit fever pitch. He made his way back to Sactown... in time for the Kings to get stomped by the 2005 Sonics. Even early in his career, he was unfairly absent from the high excitement of the 1996 Seattle series (which I watched with a skinhead Frenchmen sitting in my living room, I might add -- another story for another time).

The guy played 485 games in a Kings uniform the past decade... and missed all the Game 7s, almost every important Laker game, the nights when the Pacific Division banners got hung, the myriad goosebump ovations from the clackers and the cowbells. Big Nasty will go down as a Sacramento King through and through, and he missed all of that. (Of course, he won a title in Detroit and a big contract in Philadelphia, so I won't exactly cry for him...)

He had such a polemic career -- one that could probably last two or three more campaigns, if he had an All-Star game on his bio. We knew his time here had ended, but I'm pretty damn sad I'll never turn on the TV and be surprised to see that big-ass elbow pad angling into someone's chest again. Hats off to a great Sacramento King and a tremendous dude. He'll always have a fan in me.

UPDATE: The Associated Press reports Corliss will be an assistant coach with Arkansas Baptist College this season.

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Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
Say it isn't so Big Nasty.  The league just got a bit less classy today.  It seems like yesterday that he came into the league a wide eyed rookie buoyed by all his success at Arkansas with a big'oll wrastlin loving grin.  Too bad management didnt try to retain him as a bench assistant for Reggie.  He's great in the locker room and who better to work with the young bucks on the low post game.
Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Sep 25, 2007 1:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
I think he'll end up in college coaching near term, maybe after he takes a season or two off.

by Ziller on Sep 25, 2007 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
1st guy to say that he was happy coming to Sacramento -
1st '90's guy not named Mitch Richmond willing to take the big shot -
Strengthened us even in trade (Doug Christie) -
Played hard when in the rotation -
Played hard after consecutive DNP-CD's -
Played hard, played hard, played hard -
God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 25, 2007 1:55 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
He had a great nickname too, where did that come from anyhow?

by moproblemz on Sep 25, 2007 2:21 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
I have worked this terribly sad moment into a mathematical theorum..

(Kings fans+Corliss retirement)*(Elliot+ET boarding spaceship)=universal sadness

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Sep 25, 2007 2:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
"The Big Nasty": best nickname in sports.  
Visit sunny and beautiful Movie City Usa.

by DB on Sep 25, 2007 3:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
I read on Wikipedia that the nickname was given to him by his cousin at age 13.

by kingsfaninjapan on Sep 25, 2007 3:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
@ section 214
God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were.

Amen.  If you only knew how many times I've already wanted to quote you on other sites since I heard the news.

The NBA should hire this guy to provide training on how to be a player and not a playah.  

I am sorry he couldn't find another NBA home for a few more years.  

Sorry for the lack of quotes, I need to figure out what html tags this site recognizes.  Long time reader, first couple of posts (but I hope I won't be making many.)  I enjoy reading the site as it is with the great regulars you have here!  

by KK on Sep 25, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
KK, thanks for the props and feel free to share it wherever. I love me some Big Nasty!
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 25, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
i can guarantee now that the 29 other gm's know that he is still alive, he will get some kind of offer if he was inclined to play.
Whether your dominating the playground, the last one to leave the gym, or your big time like Mike Bibby...

by CrownUs93 on Sep 25, 2007 6:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
When C-Webb was traded, it hurt even though I knew it was time.

When Richmond won a ring with the Lakers, it hurt even though I knew he couldn't have won it with the Kings.

When Horry hit that shot, it hurt even though I knew Divac should've pulled down the board.

When I heard Big Nasty was going to retire, it just hurt.  No "even though".

In Geoff we trust...

by Exhibit G on Sep 25, 2007 9:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
What a bummer! He really seemed to be back in good shape and playing some inspired ball. I thought for sure he would get picked up somewhere. I guess he doesn't want to play for the league minimum. Don't blame him.

Thanks for all the nastiness Corliss!! If you had to retire, I am at least honored you retired a King. Very fitting!

He can shoot, and he looks great in a suit. Hey, everybody - It's REGGIE TIME!

by dalt99 on Sep 26, 2007 8:13 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
And here's Corliss with a tip of his cap to us - pure class.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7267972
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 26, 2007 4:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
The 1996 playoffs is one of my favorite memories as a Kings fan. It makes me think fondly, especially when I didnt want to be a fan any longer, which did happen as recently as January 2005, on why I became a Kings fan in the first place. And of course I didnt watch a single game at my house either. Nobody in my family gets it yet they all remember game 6 of 2002 (along with every 'kings' fan). Ugh.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Sep 26, 2007 8:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Corliss Williamson Will Retire, And I Am Sad
I will admit I dont think Corliss should retire. I think several teams could have used him most notably the Lakers. As crazy as that sounds they have a dire need for depth and low post scoring. Corliss provides them both. He rarely gets hurt he plays hard and is a good teammate. Plus like Derek Fisher, outside of their Arkansas roots, are both good interviews which goes a long way when the LA press needs anybody other than Kobe to talk to. Oh well. Tip o' the hat to Mr. Williamson. A truly great college player who made a great pro career when plenty with his same talent, but nothing anywhere near the same temperament, couldnt make a go of a pro career. Corliss at this point deserves the course of his choosing. Good on him.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Sep 26, 2007 8:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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