When the Brooklyn Nets dealt for point guard Deron Williams, they immediately raised their expectations. Williams, however has been in a decline because of various injuries and certainly hasn’t lived up to his lofty expectations.
More from Brooklyn Nets
- NBA Rumors: 5 best trade destinations for Pascal Siakam
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- NBA rumors: 4 teams not named Heat or Nets engaged on Damian Lillard trade
- Could James Harden take a page out of Kevin Durant’s trade request playbook?
- Damian Lillard trade request: The best offers Nets and Heat can make to land star
Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders wonders if Williams can stop his decline and reward the Nets for their faith.
"Fans of the Brooklyn Nets may not remember this, but it wasn’t too long ago Williams was arguably considered a top three point guard in the league. A combination of injuries have contributed to Williams’ deterioration leaving the 30 year old guard at a career crossroads. Can Williams return to the land of the elite or is the decline we’ve witnessed over the past two seasons an indicator of what’s to come.Williams has three-years and $63 million remaining on his current which would make him hard to move for real assets, leaving Brooklyn in a tough position. The Nets expected Williams to be the face of their franchise in Brooklyn and so far haven’t been reimbursed for that initial faith."
If Williams doesn’t get back on track this year, the Nets could be in a lot of trouble after losing swingman Paul Pierce and point guard Shaun Livingston.
Williams averaged just 14.3 points, 6.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 45.0% from the field, 36.6% from three and 80.1% from the free throw line. last season. Although he played in 64 regular season games and all 12 playoff games, Williams was bothered by an ankle injury all season and had one of the worst seasons of his career.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.