Avery Johnson said Nets point guard Deron Williams will start today’s game against Toronto. His status for the game in London’s O2 Arena had been in question because of injuries to both hands.
“Deron Williams sat out of practice [Wednesday] and he went through all of the non-contact portion [yesterday],” Johnson said. “We anticipate he’ll play in the game [today]. His hand situation has not significantly improved, but he is going to start and play [today].”
Williams strained a tendon in his right wrist on Jan. 26 while still a member of the Jazz, and then suffered a bone bruise in his left hand Monday — his first home game in the Prudential Center since being traded to the Nets.
Williams admitted yesterday it would take three weeks of rest for the hand to fully heal, but he doesn’t plan to sit out that long. He’s expected to play today and tomorrow against the Raptors — the first two NBA regular-season games in Europe.
“We haven’t discussed it. We definitely couldn’t afford to have him sit out for three weeks,” Johnson said. “More than anything right now, we’re just trying to get through this London trip, hopefully come back and have two solid games at home when we return and go from there. I’d have to wait and see how it all shapes up.”
Williams has been stellar since his arrival. His staggering 47 assists is the most any NBA player has ever amassed through his first three games with a new team.
But the Nets are 0-3 in those games and just 17-43 overall, yet Johnson insists they — despite Williams admitting the expectations of the trade would prevent him from taking the time he needs to rest — haven’t considered the notion of shutting down their newly-acquired franchise player for his own good.
“We’d like to get through this London trip and get through our return, first couple of games when we get home, then we’ll evaluate it,” said Johnson. “We haven’t talked about that, if we’ll shut him down for the rest of the year or anything. [Nets general manager] Billy [King], I and Deron will be on the same page with this decision — and Tim Walsh, our trainer, hasn’t discussed at length this option.”
Johnson said he wants to get back stateside and see the starting five of Williams, Anthony Morrow, Damion James, Kris Humphries and Brook Lopez gel together before making that sort of decision.
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Backup point guard Jordan Farmar, initially expected to miss 7-10 days with an ankle injury, could play tomorrow.