Think of it this way: Deron Williams still hasn't said a thing to indicate he's thinking of leaving the Nets at year's end. In fact, he's endorsed Billy King's strategy, saying, "there's a bigger picture." That hasn't stopped a number of writers from suggesting the end of his Nets' career is measured in weeks or months.

Alex Raskin, writing this time for HoopsWorld, notes that a lot of things in discussing the latest woe-is-me stories on the Nets' chances of keeping D-Will and acquiring Dwight Howard.

Bottom line (as we've discussed) is Williams' role in the Nets' planning: "In talking with people inside and outside the Nets organization, it’s clear that Williams is willing to be patient. He’s been engaged in all big-picture discussions and he’s encouraged the team to maintain roster flexibility with an eye toward next summer’s free agency period".

• D-Will has Reasons to Stay in Jersey - Alex Raskin - HoopsWorld