Shelden

Williams

Williams has worked out for Houston, Golden State, Utah, New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Seattle and Boston. He impressed with his strength at Saturday’s testing, bench-pressing 185 pounds 25 times - tops among prospects.

It doesn’t make a lot of sense since there’s little doubt that Williams will be there when the Hawks pick fifth, but it is possible that they’re looking to trade down in the draft. The Hawks need a big man or a point guard, although Williams goes outside of the top five in most mock drafts.

Canzano has Tyrus Thomas, the consensus pick for the Bulls at No. 2 up until now, falling all the way down to the Warriors at No. 9. Canzano argues that Williams is ready to contribute right now, while Thomas lacks the persona and game to make a contribution to his team this year. If Williams does go No. 2 to the Bulls, it will shake up the draft, regardless of who the Toronto Raptors decide to take with the first pick.

Mike Woodson is going to count on Williams to be a leader from the start of training camp and his leadership abilities are one of the reasons the Hawks drafted him. Marvin Williams is 19, while Josh Smith and Zaza Pachulia are just 21. Williams, who was the clubhouse leader of his Duke team for four years, will turn 23 during training camp.

Williams is only an option in much deeper leagues, but he appeared to be healthy tonight and should be good to go.

Williams sprained his left (non-shooting) shoulder Saturday night but was able to play through it. He’s averaging 5.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 24 starts this season.

There are no details available for Williams other than the fact that he has a “right eye injury.” Avery Johnson said he was “really concerned” about Williams after he was taken to the hospital following his injury. With Shelden Williams and Jordan Williams (concussion) both hurt, Johan Petro will be forced into some serious minutes moving forward.

Rookie Jordan Williams could get a lot of minutes the rest of the way for the Nets.

Shelden Williams left earlier with an eye injury, as the Nets are running out of big men. In other words, it’s Johan Petro time, although he’s probably not good enough to be grabbed in fantasy leagues.

Williams was hit in the eye by the Pacers Tyler Hansbrough, and ran off the court immediately and headed straight for the locker room. The Nets PR staff have said they will have no further updates on Williams until Thursday, and we will update you once we know more. Big man Jordan Williams also got hurt tonight, so Johan Petro could suddenly become a relevant fantasy player.