As it turns out, NBA players and officials do get along sometimes.
One of those refs that players seem to love is James Williams, who is now in his 13th season as an NBA official. He is often referred to “Guwop” or “Gucci” on the court because he looks like rapper Gucci Mane.
“I am Gucci Mane, at this point that’s who I am,” Williams told “The Crown Refs Podcast” this month. “I’m actually shocked when somebody on the floor calls me James … everybody calls me Gucci or Guwop. I’ve really just embraced it.”
Williams doesn’t find the comparison to the “I Got the Bag” rapper offensive, but rather sees it as way to make his job more enjoyable.
“It humanizes us, referees who are just cops out there, I’m not a big fan of because that’s not how I referee,” he explained. “I go out there, I like to have fun. Engage the players, the fans, the coaches. While we have a job to do, you should still have fun while you’re doing it.”
He has even been recognized by fans off the court, thanks in large part to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant retweeting a photo with the official, captioning it “Me & Gucci.”
Williams said he’s caught off-guard when players refer to him by his actual name at this point. AP
Radric Davis, known as ‘Gucci Mane,’ takes in an NBA game. Getty Images“Once that thing went viral, my life has been completely altered forever,” he said. “The other day I was {at the airport] and there was a basketball team walking through and they’re like ‘That’s the Gucci Mane ref!’ and ‘Can we get a picture?'”
Graduating from Purdue University in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Law & Society and History, Williams made his way to NBA officiating where he’s refereed 45 playoff games, including three NBA Finals games. He also officiated the 2022 All-Star game in Cleveland.
“I don’t take myself too seriously,” Williams finished. “We get to referee a kid’s game for a living, what more can you say.”
