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With Brook Lopez's status as a starter up in the air when the Nets play, it now appears that Deron Williams may not start either.
At practice Wednesday, Lionel Hollins said that the injured (calf strain) D-Will may come off the bench. Williams, of course, is also the subject of trade rumors. He did practice Wednesday.
Lionel Hollins said Deron Williams will probably come off the bench vs Celtics
— Stefan Bondy (@nydninternets) December 24, 2014
Come Friday, the #Nets may have more max players coming off their bench (two) than in their starting lineup (one).
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) December 24, 2014
The rationale? It's partly about easing him back, partly about not disrupting a lineup that's won two straight, even if they beat the woeful Pistons and the Nuggets.
Hollins on if DWill reenters the starting lineup immediately upon his return: "Probably not." Extended quote here... pic.twitter.com/tYq4m7bQf5
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 24, 2014
Williams declined to speak to the media.
Deron Williams practiced, but declined to talk to the media today. Lionel Hollins said he'll likely come off the bench when he returns.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 24, 2014
Jarrett Jack has played well in D-Will absence, filling in after he left in the second quarter vs. the Cavaliers in Cleveland. In the two full games he's played, Jack has averaged 16.0 points and 9.0 assists, shooting 51.8% from the field, missing all three from deep. He has also taken care of the ball, turning the ball over five times in two games.
- Deron Williams of Brooklyn Nets probably won't start when he returns from calf injury - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
- Mason Plumlee thriving in Lopez's spot Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
- Nets rewind: Don’t slack off Joe Johnson in crunch time - Tim Bontemps - New York Post
- Deron Williams 'probably' will come off bench in Nets return - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
- Deron Williams "Probably" Won't Start When He Returns - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game