- Giddey plays for the OKC Thunder in the NBA semifinals
- Arriving at the must-win game against Dallas wearing his tribute
- Was a mark of respect for a man who became the face of Australian basketball
Australian NBA star Josh Giddey has paid a moving tribute to beloved Australian basketball commentator Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams, who recently died of cancer at the age of 46.
The Melbourne-born point guard arrived at six of the NBA conference semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks wearing the Townsville Crocodiles jersey that Williams made famous during his time in Australia.
Williams died on May 10 at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in August, leaving Australian basketball in shock and mourning.
Giddey arrived at the American Airlines Center in Dallas wearing the Townsville Crocodiles jersey, including the number 8 that Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams wore during his playing days
Williams took the now defunct Townsville Crocodiles to a semi-final against the odds and was named League MVP during his playing days
Giddey wore the jersey prior to a must-win game against the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA semifinal series
Born Carey Williams in New York City, he made a name for himself as an aggressive streetball champion before being signed by the Crocodiles in Australia’s NBL in 2007.
He energized the league, which was in contention at the time, by coining the term “Croc Nation” and bringing his entertaining, trash-talking style of basketball to a new audience.
Williams took the Crocodiles to the NBL semi-finals against the odds and was crowned the league’s MVP.
Upon retirement, he became the face of the NBL as a commentator and analyst, popularizing the slogan ‘This ain’t no cupcake league’.
As a commentator, Williams pulled no punches and earned a legion of supporters
The NBL is struggling to come to terms with the shocking death of Williams, who was just 46
Williams was also a big supporter of Giddey before he was drafted, posting on Instagram: “Let me tell you first, @joshgiddey, you are the future of Australian basketball.
“You’re going to inspire a whole nation of Hoopers.
“People are getting familiar, this is the face of the next generation of Hoopers down under.”
Giddey’s show of respect for ‘Homicide’ sparked a new outpouring of tributes from Australian basketball fans.
“Appreciate the thought JG. You’re a real one,” someone posted in response to the images of Giddey in Homicide’s Crocs jersey.
“Josh Giddey will be the winner of the game with this classy move,” another added.
Russell “Rusty” Hinder, a former Crocs captain and friend of Williams, also replied, writing: “Really classy. WOW. Astonishing. Thanks Jos. Thank you so much. Really cool.’
Unfortunately, the tribute failed to inspire Giddey and OKC to victory, with Dallas clinching the series with a nail-biting final score of 117-116.
Giddey’s gesture has sparked a new wave of tributes to ‘Homicide’, which left a lasting impression with its larger-than-life approach to the game
NBL owner Larry Kestelman led the tributes to Williams last week, crediting him with the success and growth of the modern league.
‘Having Corey as part of the NBL commentary team was by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and without his passion for the League and enthusiasm for growing the game in Australia we simply wouldn’t be where we are today are. .
“Corey’s positivity was contagious. He had a laugh and smile that could light up any room.
“He was as much of a presence off the field as he was on it, earning a fearsome reputation on both sides of the game.
“There will never be another Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams, may he rest in peace.”
A service celebrating the life of Corey Williams was held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Center on Saturday.