Who's That Guy? Shelden Williams

Shelden Williams became a New York Knick in the trade that brought in Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Once an afterthought, Williams is beginning to make a name for himself on the Knicks as a reliable big body, doing enough to successfully pester Dwight Howard down the strech in the Knicks' win over the Magic Monday.

With news fresh off the presses that Sheldon Williams will start at center (in place of the injured Ronny Turiaf and Shawne Williams) tonight vs. the Nets, coming from my buddy Seth Rosenthal via Steve Adamek, let's get to know newest member of the Knicks' "Sh-Williams Club."

Sometimes known as "Mr. Parker," Williams is married to 2008 WNBA MVP (and Rookie of the Year in the same year--how about that?) Candace Parker. While you may think these two may have their fun playing a little one on one (don't you wonder who would win?), Parker has said she and Shelden can talk for hours about just about anything.

Keeping it all in the family, remember those three times the Cavs beat the Knicks this season? (Don't feel too bad, they just beat the Heat last night, too). Anyway, Anthony Parker, the Cavs' swing man who was firing away, knocking down three-pointer after three-pointer to sink the Knicks in their most recent loss to the team, just happens be Williams' brother-in-law. Do you think Candace was at all conflicted in who to root for?

While 13 is perhaps known as the most unlucky number of all time, (beware: Friday the 13th appears again this May), the number has special meaning to Williams, who dons it with the Knicks: not only does his wedding anniversary fall on a 13th, but so does his daughter's birthday. Seems like a couple of special things to happen on an arguably not so special day.

And if you're wondering who Williams gets along with off the court (perhaps besides the four Nuggets' teammates he arrived to New York with), look no further than Bill Walker, who also happens to be best buds with Shawne Williams aka "Extra E", the Knicks other resident "Sh-Williams." Williams and Walker also spent time together on the Celtics.

Finally, aside from attending classes and playing for Duke University (which is of course highly regarded class of its own), Williams joined an even more unique and exclusive class, following only Ralph Sampson and David Robinson to become only the third player in ACC History to have 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, 350 blocks and 150 steals (along with David Robinson and Pervis Ellison). The Knicks are obviously setting out to put his skills to good use by inserting him in their starting five.

There ya have it, folks. Knicks Journal is pleased to help you get more acquainted with Shelden Williams: the team's newest starting center.