The Brooklyn Nets built a roster to win a championship sooner rather than later. They did not build a roster to withstand injuries. However, as preseason continues, one of their biggest leaders could be out for longer than expected. Deron Williams has yet to be seen during Brooklyn's preseason schedule and he might not be around when the year begins either.
Head coach Jason Kidd admits Williams' ankle injury could keep him out longer than expected. The All-Star point guard originally injured the ankle during a game of preseason pickup basketball. It was initially thought the injury might just keep him out of the preseason, but Kidd believes it could be longer.
"This is going to be a question that we're probably going to have to deal with every day until he does get the green light to go," Kidd said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "But we're not rushing him. So if we have to start the season with him still trying to get better, I think we all feel comfortable, but we would feel a little bit more comfortable if he was starting."
Nets fans should not hit the panic button just yet. Williams is a veteran so missing the preseason is not a huge deal. However, the Nets need to build chemistry as soon as possible. After adding players like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in the offseason, much of Brooklyn's success will be determined by chemistry amongst the veteran players.
The concern is that this is the same injury Williams dealt with for much of last season. He underwent several therapy methods in order to help with the ordeal. That helped improve his health for the second half of last season, but clearly was not a long-term option. It is no secret the Nets need Williams. Despite the added fire power, the point guard is the leader of the team.
Until Williams gets healthy, backup Shaun Livingston will see an extended amount of playing time. Tyshawn Taylor is also out with an injury making Livingston all that more important. The point guard signed with the team after undergoing a severe knee injury. He signed a veteran's minimum contract at 28, but with injuries he is getting the spotlight more and more.
"I'm blessed just to be in this position, to be healthy," Livingston said, via ESPN New York. "I couldn't ask for a better spot to be in right now. I'm just taking it day at a time, doing what I have to do, working and having fun doing it."
Williams was very complimentary of his teammate. He noted it was good to see the point guard healthy and playing again and he believes Livingston will do a great job on the court this season.
