Nets Demote Williams

by Tommy Dee on December 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm

The unhappiness of the Nets with former 1st round pick Sean Williams has culminated with the former Boston College standout being sent to the D league.

Myself, Andrew and Chris have repeatedly stated that Williams would be a good fit here, and I’ve been told that Donnie Walsh is not in the mindset of bringing in players with poor attitudes, as it has been his job to try and change the culture here in one year.

Granted, it’s not a perfect match as Williams doesn’t have a jumpshot, but it could be seen as a low risk/high reward gamble. The kid will play hard if he’s given proper minutes. And with Jared Jefferies inability to stay healthy, they need help up front.

But what Williams possesses is a rare combination of defensive tenacity with the athleticism to finish hard at the rim and with his value reaching a low point, Walsh should explore the possibility of a deal.

That said, he, his players, as well as fans, are waiting for the other shoe to drop from a roster standpoint. Those moves have to come soon before more and more losses pile up.
  • Chris Alvino

    If the Nets would deal him for our trade exceptions, then he should be our guy. Fans on this site beg for a shot blocker. This guy can block a three pointer from ten feet away.

    He is not a smart ball player. He doesn’t ooze with talent. But this guy was born to block shots. He has a knack for doing so. He would be a better way to use the exception than to use it on a pg that might not be able to play.

  • Where2010Happens

    I agree completely. Hes still very raw, but would immediately become our best interior defender and can run the floor well. I think the only reason the nets demoted him was the log jam they have at PF/C(Lopez, Yi, Boone, Anderson, Najera), not his attitude. I really don’t see a downside to giving him a shot.

  • Michael Powell

    If it moves, and it blocks shots, sign it.

    Courtney Sims has been putting up beastly numbers in the D-League. And he played for a real college program.

  • BiggieSmalls

    done for the trade exception.

  • Chris Alvino

    Powell- Are you implying that Al Skinner does not run a “real” program at BC?

  • chrischilds

    Sims runs like an unathletic Greg Oden. Williams is a high flying finisher. The two can’t be compared. I thought that anyone in the D league can be signed by any team? Why do we have to trade for Sean?

  • chrischilds

    Michigan hasn’t been much of a “real college program” in a decade or so. Definitely no more of a program than BC

  • Michael Powell

    Chris

    That wasn’t in any way shape or form a slight, real or imagined, aimed at Al Skinner and BC. I was not thinking of one over the other … just making the case–sight unseen–for Sims.

    But as to the other point, high flyers have a limited utility. Sometimes they know how to play defense and rebound; too often all they know how to do is fly. Give me a more earthbound type who understands the game anytime.

    Michael

  • Chris Alvino

    Michael- I was just busting you there man. I am a BC guy. I was just joking with you. Williams was thrown off the BC team during a season when BC had a shot to make things happen, so to call him a BC guy is almost untrue.

    I respect the Michigan program as well.

  • BiggieSmalls

    as long as he remains on the Nets 15 man roster he is Nets Property. D-Leaguers who go down are typically still on the 15 man.