Sonics Notebook | Former Roosevelt HS star makes way back to NBA

Marcus Williams didn't anticipate his NBA career would begin like it has.

After playing two seasons at Arizona, the former Roosevelt High School star was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of last year's draft. He averaged 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds for San Antonio in exhibition games, but was waived before the season because the Spurs had injuries in the backcourt and needed a veteran guard.

They re-signed him on Dec. 26 and he appeared in one game before being released again.

He spent most of the season in the NBA Developmental League with the Austin Toros, where he averaged 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 36 games.

The Clippers signed him March 28 for the remainder of the season and Wednesday, he made his Clippers debut in front of 30 or so family and friends.

"It's a rough road, but I think it's something that makes you mentally strong and conditions you," Williams said. "The D-League is way different than the NBA. The next thing that happens to me, I'll be prepared to take full advantage of it.

"It's my story so hopefully I can make it end good with a happy ending."

Williams was scoreless and had two rebounds in 7 minutes, 18 seconds of action.

He's close friends with Louisville junior Terrence Williams and has given the former Rainier Beach High standout advice on whether he should forego his final year of eligibility and declare for the NBA draft.

"He's like my little brother so we talk back and fourth about that," Williams said. "We talk about the pros and cons. I let him talk it out because at the end of the day, I really don't want to be an influence at all because he has to live with the decision."

Notes

• X-rays on F Donyell Marshall's injured right knee did not show any serious damage.

• Clippers C Chris Kaman and G Cuttino Mobley are injured and didn't play.