Deron Williams is fine coming off the bench as long as the Nets win

Following the Nets rout of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden yesterday, Deron Williams said it was not only his idea to come off the bench today, but that he's willing to continue in that role as long as the Nets continue to win.

Deron Williams says it was his idea to come off the bench and he's open to that continuing so long as the team keeps winning.

— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) January 20, 2014

During Williams' absence with an injured ankle, the starting lineup of Shaun Livingston, Alan Anderson, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett posted a record of four wins and no losses.

It's not as if Williams will be relegated to the bench, but rather a sacrifice that he's making for the good of the team. Even though he didn't start the game, Williams played 27 minutes to Livingston's 21. He finished with 13 points on 4-of-10, shooting include 2-of-8.from deep. He also grabbed three rebounds and handed out three assists. He was a +15, third highest on the team.

It's a bold initiative for Williams to take. This Nets' team is, after all, built around him. It suggests that he understands his role and that he needs to get back into game shape.  As Stefan Bondy adds...

Dont forget that for 2 yrs DWill was bigger than the team, bigger than the billboard Nets sent as BDay gift. Todays gesture was significant.

— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) January 21, 2014

It also doesn't hurt that Shaun Livingston has filled in very nicely for Williams as the starting point guard.

• Deron Williams returns from injury and helps Brooklyn Nets off the bench - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
• Deron: ‘I don’t care if I come off the bench’ - Tim Bontemps - New York Post
• Nets notes: Deron Williams comes off the bench in return - Andy Vasquez - The Record
• Starting Five: D-Will better as reserve? - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York