CLEVELAND —Nets coach Avery Johnson is not very worried about MarShon Brooks. Yet.
Check with him tomorrow, though.
“The reason he’s not playing is because he’s not better. He’s going to have a little bit more of a detailed examination [Saturday], not an MRI [exam], and we’ll see how things change for him [Sunday],” Johnson said of Brooks, who missed the Nets’ 99-96 victory over the Cavaliers last night. It was the third straight game he has missed due to a sore left Achilles tendon.
“Do some more tests on him when we get back home. And then we’ll see where he is [Sunday]. If he’s not playing [in Newark against the Raptors], then I’m going to start to get a little bit more concerned.”
Brooks said in the morning he was feeling better, but he did not participate in shootaround, according to Johnson.
Brooks wasn’t the only hurting Net last night. Mehmet Okur was scratched with back spasms. When Shelden Williams was inserted at starting center, it gave the Nets their 10th different starting lineup in 20 games. Okur is headed for an MRI exam because there is legitimate concern over a recurring issue.
“Probably out [tomorrow],” Johnson said. “He’s going to get an MRI, and we’re concerned about his back. This is the second or third time — he’s had back problems before.”
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Johnson said recalling rookie Jordan Williams from the D-League was “something we’ve discussed.” Shelden Williams has been exceptionally physical and aggressive of late. He banged with Blake Griffin when the Clippers’ stud was running roughshod over the Nets in Los Angeles.
“I’ve been a rebounder and a defender since Day 1,” said Williams, who has been bothered by a sore right wrist. “That’s what I’ve tried to bring.”
He has, in Johnson’s eyes.
“He’s just so tough. He’s a physically tough frontcourt player,” Johnson said. “He engages in physicality. He likes to be physical. The rougher the game is, the more we can count on him, and he’s been good.
“Right now, he’s dealing with his wrist situation. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see him dealing with wrist and elbow, chest. But again, he’ll be out there because he loves to fight.”
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Nets officials spoke to Brook Lopez about the decision to not extend his contract after the center expressed disappointment he wasn’t extended and had been left out of the talks. It was explained the Nets still can re-sign him this summer and doing it this way allows them far more flexibility. Lopez had said he wished he was consulted. But on getting the explanation, all he said was “no comment.”