There is a whole semi-truck of things that need to come together if the Nets are going to be the contenders they think they are, and at the top of that list will be getting vintage play out of Deron Williams. For all the talent on that roster Williams is the table setter, the best shot creator — Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce can still finish but they don’t create shots like they did a decade ago.
So the fact D-Will has battled ankle injuries that have limited him through the start of training camp is not good. He sprained his ankle a month ago and it still lingers.
Now comes this news, via Rod Boone of Newsday on twitter:
Deron said he's still taking it slow. Said he's likely not playing in preseason opener vs. #Wizards on Tuesday.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) October 4, 2013
He also suggested he may miss the second game as well. So expect more Shaun Livingston in the preseason.
If this were the regular season Williams could play, but there is no reason to rush him back. Really, even if this were the regular season there would be no reason — the Nets are going to make the playoffs, what matters is for them to be healthy and clicking in April, not November.
They need to get Williams’ ankles healthy, not have them as a lingering thing that slows him through the season. The Nets know they really only have one shot at this.