Jay Williams catches awkward strays from Kenny Smith, Richard Jefferson during NBA Draft over motorcyle accident

Twenty-four years ago, Jay Williams had his future laid out in front of him. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the No. 2 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft after his legendary career at Duke. Williams had a solid run in his rookie year, averaging 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals and earning a nod to the All-Rookie Second Team.

Everything, however, stopped for Williams in 2003 after suffering major injuries in a motorcycle crash. He never fully recovered. His promising career in the NBA ended after one year.

He transitioned to broadcasting, working as a full-time analyst for ESPN since 2008.

During the 2026 NBA Draft on Monday, ESPN played a video of Williams getting picked by the Bulls. Even though he did not pan out due to the motorcycle accident, his co-analysts, Richard Jefferson and Kenny Smith, still made fun of him.

“They (fans) also didn’t see the future coming, so they were cheering preemptively. Sorry, I apologize,” said Jefferson.

“Wow,” replied Williams.

Smith gave the one-time national champion and former National College Player of the Year his flowers, but added a dig in the end.

“The guy was an unbelievable talent. His career trajectory would’ve been a lot different if he didn’t like motorcycles,” said Smith.

Richard Jefferson: "They also didn't see the future coming, so they were cheering…"

Jay Williams: "Wow…"

Kenny Smith: "His career trajectory would've been a lot different if he didn't like motorcycles."

Jefferson: "I guess everybody that goes to Duke isn't that smart." https://t.co/eBT56Z8RTl pic.twitter.com/9dCmYORrpJ

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 24, 2026

Williams appeared to let out a nervous laugh and simply sat through it all.

While it could be viewed as casual ribbing among colleagues, some fans did not appreciate the snide remarks of Jefferson and Smith.

Williams tried to make a comeback in the NBA a few times, but no team took a chance on him, making him one of the more infamous cautionary tales and biggest what-ifs in recent memory.

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