Williams initially committed to play at the University of Georgia, but ultimately declared for the 2005 NBA Draft. Between 2005 and 2014, Williams played for the Philadelphia 76ers (2005-2012) and the Atlanta Hawks (2013-2014). On June 30, 2014, Williams was traded to the Toronto Raptors, along with draft rights to Lucas Nogueira, in exchange for John Salmons and 2015 second round pick. He went to the playoffs five times between 2008 and 2014 (Philadelphia in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 and Atlanta in 2014). On the personal side of things, in 2011, Williams claims to have been saved from being robbed when a gunman recognized him as a basketball celebrity and he and the gunman came to an understanding. Williams reportedly then bought the gunman food from McDonald’s after the altercation.