Louisville Report

Heat Sign Former Louisville C Malik Williams

The former Cardinals big man is back in the NBA.

Matthew McGavic

Apr 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Raptors center Malik Williams (35) looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Apr 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Toronto Raptors center Malik Williams (35) looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Malik Williams is back in the NBA.

The former Louisville men's basketball center has signed with the Miami Heat, the organization announced Wednesday. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Previously, the 6-foot-11, 250-pound center had signed with the Raptors back in April for his first contract with an NBA team. Making seven appearances and two starts for Toronto towards the end of the 2023-24 season, he averaged 2.7 points and 5.4 rebounds over 15.3 minutes played.

Prior to signing with the Raptors, Williams had spent four months playing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce - the NBA G-League affiliate for the Heat. In 33 total games with the Skyforce last season, Williams averaged 11.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks in 23.2 minutes per game, while also shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 32.0 percent on three-point attempts.

After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Fort Wayne, Ind. native's first professional gig came overseas with the Polish Basketball League's Anwil Wloclawek. In 31 appearances and 18 starts there, Williams put up 8.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks across 17.7 minutes per game.

Williams played his entire five-year collegiate career with Louisville, becoming the Cardinals' first three-time captain in program history. His best statistical season came in his final year, averaging 9.5 points and 8.0 rebounds across 27 games and 25 starts during the 2021-22 season. In 122 total games played for Louisville and 62 starts, Williams totaled 876 points, 677 rebounds, 87 blocks and 52 assists.

(Photo of Malik Williams: Matt Krohn - Imagn Images)

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Matthew McGavic
MATTHEW MCGAVIC

McGavic is a 2016 Sport Administration graduate of the University of Louisville, and a native of the Derby City. He has been covering the Cardinals in various capacities since 2017, with a brief stop in Atlanta, Ga. on the Georgia Tech beat. He is also a co-host of the 'From The Pink Seats' podcast on the State of Louisville network. Video gamer, bourbon drinker and dog lover. Find him on Twitter at @Matt_McGavic

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