Jay Williams waived by NBDL Austin Toros

Dec 31, 2006 - 12:06 AM AUSTIN, Texas (Ticker) - Former NBA guard Jay Williams, who still is trying to battle his way back from a severe injury suffered in a motorcycle accident, was waived by the D-League's Austin Toros on Saturday.

Originally signed by the Toros on December 8, Williams averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds in three games with the team.

The 6-2 Williams is trying to work his way back to the NBA after nearly losing his leg in a motorcycle accident on June 19, 2003. He severed a nerve in his left leg, fractured his pelvis and tore three of the four main ligaments in the knee.

Williams was invited to training camp with the New Jersey Nets this season but was waived October 22 after averaging 3.8 points in five preseason games.

Williams led Duke to the 2001 national championship and won the Naismith and Wooden Awards as the best college basketball player before heading for the NBA.

He was selected second overall in the 2002 draft by the Chicago Bulls and averaged 26 minutes, 9.5 points and 4.7 assists in 75 games as a rookie. After his accident, he negotiated a buyout of his rookie contract with the Bulls.

The Toros on Saturday also signed guard Troy Bell, the 16th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.

Bell played in just six games with Memphis in 2003-04, averaging 1.8 points.