ATLANTA — Terrence Williams’ time in D-League hell is over for now.
The Nets recalled their 2009 first-round pick who was sentenced to the Springfield (Mass.) Armor for three games. Williams will rejoin the team for practice in Dallas today and be in uniform for tomorrow’s game with the Mavs.
“We saw a lot of what we needed to see,” coach Avery Johnson said. “He played a lot of minutes, took a lot of shots. He was real active. I watched all three of his games and based on that evaluation we feel now is a good time for him to return. . . . Overall, the D-League experience was a positive one.”
Williams was inactive for two games after constantly being late for practices, games, meetings. Johnson said he “repeatedly violated team policy,” but when Williams was sent down on Nov. 26, team brass insisted it was to evaluate him and get him playing time. Now he’s coming back.
“Obviously, it was a humbling experience for him. I expect him to come back excited and ready to play,” said Devin Harris.
Williams had two triple-doubles in his three starts.
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Another source of offensive help could be very close. But Troy Murphy
is in a tough situation. Kris Humphries
has rebounded and defended. Derrick Favors
is the four of the future. And he’s still third on the power-forward depth chart.
After averaging 15.2 minutes over five games, Murphy did not play last night.
“He’s not in the ideal spot. His minutes are inconsistent. He doesn’t know exactly when he’s going to get in the game,” explained Johnson, who praised Murphy’s “great attitude” and “professional” nature.
Murphy said his conditioning is fine but his timing needs work. “Nothing has been mentioned to me [about more time],” he said. “Game shape, I’m fine. But as far as getting into a flow, where you feel involved and shoot the ball, I don’t think I’m there. Going in there and playing some minutes and taking one or two shots, it’s difficult to get yourself going.”
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When the schedule came out, Favors looked up last night’s game.
“That was the first thing I looked for,” admitted Favors, an Atlanta native who had a home-cooked meal at his grandmother’s house on Monday.
“I’ve been gone too long. I went to see them and I didn’t want to leave,” said the 19-year-old who “lost count” on how many tickets he needed.
The Nets other first round rookie, Damion James
, scored a personal-high 10 points last night.
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It may be a battle for the 12th spot on the bench, but Stephen Graham
and Quinton Ross
have been put on notice.
“I met with [them],” Johnson said, “and I told them somebody needs to step up. Both of those guys are considered to be defensive stoppers and we just haven’t seen it.
“So somebody needs to prove to me that they want to be the guy that’s on the roster night in and night out because to go back and forth and the inconsistency even in what they do needs to improve.”
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Before he came to the Nets, Johnson interviewed with the Hawks.
“We talked quite a bit,” Johnson said of meeting with Hawks brass. “This was a great fit. One of 30 great jobs in America . . . I was one of their leading candidates and the situation in New Jersey opened up and I felt this was the right place for me.”