The Philadelphia 76ers have signed restricted-free agent guard Lou Williams to a five-year contract.  Williams, 21, was the Sixers six-man last season  and contributed in a big way off the bench posting career highs in points (11.5), assists (3.2), rebounds (2.1), and steals (1.0).  He was also a main contributor in the playoffs, averaging 12 points in 22 minutes.

“We are very excited that we have reached an agreement with Lou Williams,” said Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski. “He is not only a very talented player who exemplifies our up-tempo style of play, but he is also a young man who exhibits great character and qualities off the court as well. We look forward to having him in a Sixers uniform for many years to come.”

Williams joined the Sixers fresh out of high school when they nabbed him with their second round pick (45th overall), in 2005.

With “Sweet Lou” under contract, the only remaining Sixer not signed is guard Andre Iguodala.  Iguodala, who started at both shooting guard and small forward for the Sixers last season, is the biggest free agent on the market.  Indications are that a deal will get done, but with Williams now signed, the Sixers have 11 players under contract, five of them being guards.  You could speculate that Stefanski might move on, but Iguodala on the court with Samuel Dalmbert, Elton Brand, Andre Miller, and Thaddeus Young, would give the Sixers one of the best starting five in the Eastern Conference.