It definitely would have helped the new Brooklyn Nets players had point guard Deron Williams been healthy in training camp and preseason. Team chemistry takes a while. But long-term health is way more important than a quick start. Here’s Tim Bontemps of the New York Post:
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Deron Williams didn’t play again in Boston on Wednesday, just as he didn’t in the five previous preseason games for the Nets. Though he and the Nets have been very pleased with his progression over the past several days from a sprained right ankle that he suffered last month, Williams admitted it could be “tough” to make it back in time for next Wednesday’s regular-season opener in Cleveland because of how little he has done on the court so far this preseason.
While it would be a disappointment for Williams, there’s no reason for the Nets to rush their star point guard back so he can play one game in October. The Nets haven’t put together a team with a payroll of over $100 million — that will cost, including luxury taxes, near $190 million — to win their season opener. They did so to compete for a championship, and they only will be able to do that if Williams is healthy and playing the way he did in the second half of last season.
