If the Nets don’t make a major splash this season or during the offseason — a.k.a. sign Dwight Howard — Deron Williams has no intention of re-signing with the team. That should not be a surprise to Nets fans or ownership, but it still irritates them to hear that Deron spoke with some of the Mavericks players last season about joining them when he becomes a free agent. Despite that, Williams continued to get under their skin on Monday after the Nets practice in Dallas.
“I always like playing here,” Williams said when asked about playing in Dallas’ American Airlines Center, according to the Star-Ledger. “It’s probably my favorite (arena) to play in. I just enjoy playing here — I enjoy playing in front of my friends, family. It’s always good they get the chance to come and see me play.”
Williams was then asked if it was the actual arena he liked or just playing close to home. His response likely frustrated Nets fans even further.
“Home,” he said. “(And) I just like the arena. I think it’s a good shooting background. I just enjoy playing here. Fans — the fans are great. It’s always good when arenas have a lot of energy. Ours (the Prudential Center) doesn’t have too much energy.”
Considering the Nets have been horrible over the past few seasons, a less-than-energetic home arena should be expected. That’s precisely why New Jersey has been trying to woo Howard. Jay-Z and company are hoping a move to Brooklyn, retaining Deron, and signing Howard will be an effective way to start changing the culture for the Nets. With the way things sound, they may have to get Williams to fall out of love with Dallas before they do anything.
Chest bump to I Am a GM
