It's fitting that Jason Williams plays in Memphis.

The Grizzlies' point guard has that Elvis thing going, showing the flash and funk that NBA fans curiously find less palatable when displayed by players not named White Chocolate.

Last season, likenesses of Williams's jersey sold more than those of any other NBA player's.

With Williams' elbow passes and off-the-dribble 30-foot swishes (good about once every 10 attempts), he obviously brings entertainment value.

So when the Grizzlies traded a better point guard, Mike Bibby, to Sacramento for Williams, fan appeal was a significant part of the equation.

But Memphis ? bungling since joining the NBA in 1995 ? made a bad decision by rushing to lock up Williams long-term before the season.

The Grizzlies gave Williams a six-year extension worth $43 million and named him co-captain.

Those moves were mystifying for a talented yet mediocre player who was so unpredictable in Sacramento that it left him on the bench during crunch time.

Beyond basketball, Williams' background is dotted with red flags.

Just last season, the third-year player was suspended several games by the NBA for violating its marijuana policy more than once.

Williams was also suspended by the Kings for screaming bigoted remarks to an Asian heckler during a game against the Warriors at the Arena in Oakland.

Those warning signs should have made Memphis force Williams to prove himself this season ? on and off the court ? before doling out a big contract.

It's no surprise that this week Williams was fined about $10,000 for being honest though belligerent in describing his team.

"We suck," Williams told reporters after an 89-77 loss to the Sonics last Sunday. "We suck. We're the worst team in the league. You can print that."

It was wishful thinking for Memphis to expect Williams to suddenly mature.

While the Grizzlies were negotiating with Williams last summer, he was being sued by a landlord in his old town.

During the offseason, the suit alleges, Williams trashed a $1 million home he rented in the Sacramento suburb of Los Lagos, causing $40,000 damage.

The past should sometimes be left in the past. But Williams hasn't shown enough maturity since playing college ball at Marshall and Florida, where he was suspended three times before being expelled.

One argument for signing Williams to a big contract is that he puts fannies in the stands. But that's where Williams hasn't quite lived up to his Elvis similarities.

The Grizzlies' attendance is only up slightly up from last season, when owner Michael Heisley told Vancouver that he would relocate the franchise.

According to the NBA's latest attendance figures, Memphis is averaging roughly 1,400 more spectators. Fans can take only so many losses, even if packaged in slick play.

Williams is the most overrated point guard in the NBA after assessing his value off and on the court.

The flash and dash blinds admirers from his unspectacular numbers: Entering the weekend, Williams was shooting 37.1 percent, including 28.6 percent on his favorite shot, the three-point bomb.

There's no question that Williams is one the most talented guards in the NBA. His court vision is as uncanny as anyone's. And Williams dribbles with the ease of handling a yo-yo. Williams actually has a sweet outside stroke, as long as it's not forced.

And Williams had toned down his act somewhat from last season. But he appears bent on doing things out of the ordinary. (Williams named his son Jaxon.)

Williams has the Chinese spelling of the word "Insane" tattooed on his forearm.

It's a good way to describe the Grizzlies' decision to give Williams a rich extension without the NBA's Elvis proving himself.