Jarrett Jack who's in Las Vegas to support the Nets summer league team told reporters that if he's called on to start at point guard, he's ready.
Jarrett Jack on assuming starting point guard role: "If that’s the position they want me to fill, I’m definitely very ready to do so."
— Mitchell Abramson (@nydnmabramson) July 12, 2015
More Jack: "It’s not my first rodeo as far as being thrust into the (starter’s) role if that were to be the case."
— Mitchell Abramson (@nydnmabramson) July 12, 2015
Although the Nets have four point guards under contract, Jack is seen as the likely starter. A favorite of Lionel Hollins, Jack started 27 games for the Nets last season and has started 310 games in his career, but hasn't been an NBA starter for a full season since his second year in the league, back in 2006-07 when he started all 79 games for Portland. He averaged 12.0 points and 5.3 assists and the Trail Blazers finished 32-50.
Now with Deron Williams bought out and the other point guards either beyond their prime or at the beginning of their careers, Jack is the defacto starter ... and there's no indication that the Nets are looking elsewhere.
Jack spoke on a number of issues, including playing for Hollins.
Jack on playing for notoriously tough coach Lionel Hollins. "It was cool."
— Mitchell Abramson (@nydnmabramson) July 12, 2015
He admitted he was surprised that Mason Plumlee who often started with him in the middle of the season was dealt --for Blake and rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Jack said he was surprised by team dealing Mason Plumlee: "Yeah, I thought Mason came on strong for us, especially when Brook got hurt."
— Mitchell Abramson (@nydnmabramson) July 12, 2015
Jack flew in on Joe Johnson's private plane Saturday, one day earlier than planned.
Jack said he was planning to come today, but that "[Joe] called me and was like, 'Look, I ‘ve got a plane if you want to jump on it.'"
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 12, 2015
He'll be joined by others as the Las Vegas summer league continues for the Nets on Monday.
Jarrett Jack is one of several Nets who'll be in Vegas this week. He & Joe Johnson got in last night; Ellington, Larkin, Robinson to follow.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 12, 2015
And Jack said he had spoken with his old friend, D-Will, and wished him well.
Jack on Deron: "In pro sports, our happiness is a thing we don’t get to control a lot ... I’m definitely happy for him & hope he does well."
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 12, 2015
- Deron Williams’ exit ushers in a new Nets leader - Tim Bontemps - New York Post
- Nets: Team short-handed at point guard - Andy Vasquez - The Record
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Jarrett Jack 'very ready' to replace Deron Williams at PG - Mitch Abramson - New York Daily News