Byron Scott says that Aaron Williams doesn’t do anything to make one go, “wow,” but that everything he does gets a nod of approval.
In listening to the Nets’ head coach, he’s been nodding his head a lot when he speaks about Williams.
The 6-9 power forward is averaging 10.7 points and 6.7 boards in New Jersey’s first three games, and Scott says he’s been more than pleased with the 28-year-old journeyman now in his sixth NBA season.
“We have one guy right now that has been a presence, and that’s Aaron Williams,” Scott said after the Nets practiced at the Champion Center in East Rutherford yesterday.
“He’s the only one that catches it deep and takes it to the basket. Guys aren’t double-teaming him, and when they don’t he scores, or he gets fouled.”
Williams will get a chance to show his former team what it missed out on tonight when the Nets face the Wizards in Washington.
It was in early August when Williams left the Wizards after enjoying his best season as a pro to sign with the Nets for the $2.25 million exception, only to sign later on a six-year deal reportedly worth around $17 million.
Williams said he wanted to stay in Washington, but couldn’t pass up on what the Nets were offering, which was money and stability.
“New Jersey believing in me, giving me the six year contract, makes me feel like I’m a part of what is going to be here,” Williams said. “Truthfully, I feel part of a foundation, rather than in the past coming in as a piece, play for a couple of years or a year and move on.”
As for going tonight against his former mates, especially forward Juwan Howard and center Jahidi White, Williams said, “first thing I’ve got to do is stay out of foul trouble. Both [Howard and White] are pretty aggressive on offense. I’ve just got to try and get them out of a rhythm.”
Williams claims that he doesn’t see tonight any different from other nights.
“I’d like to play well against everybody,” Williams said. “I’ve got friends all over the league. I don’t even care if I score tonight, I just want to win. We need to win.”
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Guard Lucious Harris saw his first action of the year yesterday
in practice. Harris has been recovering from hernia surgery he underwent on Oct. 6.
Scott said Harris will suit up tonight, but will not play. He said the earliest date he might use Harris would likely be Saturday’s home game against Seattle.