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From star to role player: Williams ready to lead Cavs with LeBron

Sean Gardner / REUTERS

Mo Williams is the quintessential NBA journeyman.

Having played for seven different teams throughout his 12-year career - including his current Cleveland Cavaliers - Williams sits behind a small sampling of other active players who have suited up for half a dozen teams or more. This group includes: Caron Bulter and Matt Barnes (eight teams, respectively), Shaun Livingston (nine), Drew Gooden, and Lou Amundson (10 apiece).

From his various stops throughout the league, Williams has picked up a thing or two with respect to handling a wide array of characters in the locker room.

"You have to be able to manage personalities," he said. "Those things are important - being able to relate to all the guys."

Not only did Williams relate to his teammates in Cleveland his first time around (2008-11), he actually formed a close bond with LeBron James.

This chemistry, according to Williams, played a key role in his on-court success with James and also in the Cavs' decision to call him in for a second tour of duty.

"I think that's one reason LeBron is comfortable with me, and the Cavs are comfortable with me and brought me back - just knowing that I'm a strong voice. I have a strong personality and I'm a team guy," he said.

Although Williams will not be awarded starting point guard minutes or responsibilities - those belong to All-Star Kyrie Irving - he will likely help Matthew Dellavedova with backup ball-handling duties.

Being a role player, however, is not a foreign concept to Williams: "I've been the star of my team. I've been the second guy. I've been the third guy. I've been the sixth man. I've been the guy that's pissed off that he's not playing. So I can relate to each guy."

In January, Williams exploded for a 52-point performance against the Indiana Pacers. This reconfirmed that he is still capable of being an effective secondary weapon - a fact that bodes well for his rekindled partnership with King James.

"I can have that conversation with LeBron, because I've scored 50 points in a game. I know how it feels to get hot."

The 32-year-old has seen his fair share of ups and downs since entering the league in 2003 as a second-round pick out of Alabama. Having played for legendary head coach Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz), tough-minded bench boss Scott Skiles (Milwaukee Bucks), and player-friendly Doc Rivers (Los Angeles Clippers), Williams is equipped with the tools to lead an offensive system with a coach's trust.

"A leader is an extension of the coach," Williams said. "At the end of the day, it's all about bringing everybody together, collectively, for one goal. That's my approach."

Williams, James, and company will open the 2015-16 season against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 27, as they set their sights on a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

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