Rashard Lewis, Jason Williams join BIG3 retired players league

Former Orlando Magic players Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams are slated to join the BIG3, a three-on-three retired players league touring this summer.

During the 2010 season, Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams were part of one of the best teams in Orlando Magic history. They spread the floor with their shooting and fit perfectly into a 59-win team that raced to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Lewis and Williams were two key players in what arguably was the best team in franchise history. At least one of the four best in franchise history.

The two former Magic teammates are joining forces once again now.

Rashard Lewis and Jason Williams will captain one of the teams in Ice Cube’s Big Three three-on-three basketball tournament starting this summer. The league features retired players such as Lewis, Williams and Allen Iverson captaining 3-on-3 teams with a professional atmosphere.

It feels a bit like a gimmick, but it should be a nice distraction during the summer with several former NBA players participating in the event, including Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson.

Lewis and Williams will captain the 3 Headed Monsters. They will select three additional players during the BIG3 Combine to fill out their team.

The good news for the 3 Headed Monsters is that shooting is not something that ages. Lewis and Williams were both ace shooters, a big reason for their success in the Dwight Howard-centered Orlando Magic.

Lewis was one of the most transformative players in Magic history. His ability to play the 4 turned the Magic into an offensive juggernaut. And his defense at the position made the possibilities of the stretch-4 revolution currently in the NBA a more concrete reality.

Williams made his name with his highlight-reel passes throughout his career. He had incredible vision in the NBA and was a strong backup point guard and spot starter for that 2010 team.

Unfortunately, that team ended up falling short of the NBA title. Maybe Lewis and Williams can combine for a title this time around.

Ice Cube formed the league as a way to stay connected to some retired NBA players who still have a little game left in them. It is part nostalgia and part business venture, allowing some of these former greats to tour the country playing a 3-on-3 style of basketball.
Next: Who will be the Orlando Magic's next Hall of Fame inductee?
Play for this new league will begin June 24. The plan is for the league to tour the country playing half-court games in big arenas. Official dates and tour stops have not been announced yet.