Deron Williams says 'Where Brooklyn At?'

When the then-New Jersey Nets made a trade for Deron Williams that included their top draft pick (Derrick Favors), people wondered would Williams sign the extension to remain with the Nets?   People knew that the team would be packing their bags to Brooklyn in the near future, but the pieces around Williams did not seem to be enough to keep him in the six boroughs.

Add to the mix that the Dallas Mavericks, Williams' hometown team needed a point guard, and had the money to afford him.   People thought Dirk Nowitzki would entice him to head back to the Western Conference, and then the Mavs would push for Dwight Howard.  But when the chips were down, Williams decided to play for hipsters instead of the cowboys.

Late on Tuesday evening, Williams inked a five-year 98 million dollar deal to remain with the Nets. Williams is only 28, and still has a ton left in his engine to carry Brooklyn for the next five years. He will relish being the face of the franchise, and Brooklyn's attempt to take over the 18-25 demographic in New York City.  Williams does not have as much character as other NBA superstars, but there will be plenty of hipsters rocking Williams jersey with a PBR in their hand.


Even though with Williams' return, it probably does not make the Nets a contender to make the NBA Finals. Williams led the Utah Jazz to four straight playoff appearances, and the Jazz had relative success with Williams putting up good numbers.  As we discussed earlier this week, without Howard, this is a playoff team who might be able to crack into the top four in the Eastern Conference.  They still are a couple pieces away from really going head-to-head with the Miami Heat.   

Now with Williams, and Johnson,  the move to Brooklyn, and the new arena, the foundation is laid for the Nets and it's time for everyone to perform. The Chris Paul-Deron Williams debate, once looked like Tupac versus Notorious B.I.G, now looks like 50 Cent versus Ja Rule, can Williams tighten the race back up with his new team?  Only time and performance will tell.

Charlie.