Since coming over in the trade from Utah, Deron Williams is averaging 15.8 points and 15.2 assists. Just as importantly, Brook Lopez is averaging 24.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks and Kris Humphries is averaging 15.8 points and 13.6 rebounds. The team as a whole is putting up 112 points and 28.2 assists a game, both tops in the NBA over the last five, and grabbing 47.4 rebounds, second in the league in that stretch.
Even Travis Outlaw has been rejuvenated...and D-Will hasn't even had a full practice yet!
Okay, why'd Utah let him go? Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe sat down with Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor and asked that question. Bottom line, writes Washburn: "Williams was unhappy with the direction of the Jazz, sought more influence on roster decisions, and was convinced the system and philosophy were antiquated" and he wouldn't commit. For Utah, Williams is now New Jersey's problem, which the Nets seem only too happy to have.
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Reason to be jazzed up in the smaller markets - Gary Washburn - Boston Globe