The unpredictable, unreadable Deron Williams
So Deron Williams is sticking with the Nets. Or not. Maybe he really, truly hasn’t decided.
Stories are indicating the ex-Jazz guard is leaning toward staying with New Jersey, rather than jumping somewhere else as a free agent after next season when can become a free agent.
A lot of people I talk to assume he’ll be gone if the Knicks, Mavericks, Lakers or anyone else with a shot at a championship — and a lot of cash — looks his way. (While cap space may be a problem, when did that ever slow down rich teams like the Lakers?) On the other hand, I never expected him to sign his second contract with the Jazz, but he did.
Nowadays Williams is more vocal about his goals. If he thinks the Nets can put together enough talent around him to win a championship, he’ll stay. If not, so long Jersey/Brooklyn. There’s also the question of whether he ‘ll be getting along with coach Avery Johnson. As time passes, I’m hearing more sources saying Williams’ problems with Jerry Sloan were deep and constant.
Williams is being referred to as a “cornerstone” player. Although he is certainly a great guard, not many teams win championships when their cornerstone is a point guard.
The ultimate decider will be what surrounding players the Nets are able to provide Williams. If he thinks they have the talent to contend, he’ll stay. But if next season the Nets are another bad team, it will be adios again for D-Will. Just a guess, but I’m expecting that at this time next year he’ll be looking again to move.