It was something Nets rookie Terrence Williams did extensively in college at Louisville. It helped him understand how the guys whose games he always tried to emulate, Magic Johnson and LeBron James, could make those passes that defied logic, description and the laws of man and science.
“When I was in college, what I’d do is I’d go home and I’d watch the play on film and stop it and try to tell myself where the guy was going or where he was supposed to go,” Williams said. “So if I know where everybody is cutting on the offensive end, where they’re going, it’s easier to lead a guy with a pass.”
And that is just part of Williams’ game that is blossoming, causing many to take notice. He is more than just a bundle of athleticism. He’ll jump through the rafters for a rebound, outrace the pack for a scintillating dunk on the break. But he’ll also put the ball right where it’s supposed to be.
And that has impressed many.
“The last three or four weeks, he’s definitely playing lights out,” said teammate Jarvis Hayes, who shares the bulk of the three duties with the 6-foot6 Williams, who doesn’t hit 23 until June. “He’s getting an opportunity to play and he’s making plays, hitting shots, getting to the line, getting assists, rebounds. He’s doing a lot.
“But if there’s one thing that stands out,” Hayes added, “it’s his court vision, the way he sees where an open man is. That’s big for a guy that young.”
Williams’ rookie season has been well chronicled. He started with regular minutes under Lawrence Frank and then for one reason or another — a lot of it having to do with alarm clocks — he and Kiki Vandeweghe got along like France and Germany. Since Williams settled back in the rotation, he has been superb.
In his last 16 games, he scored double figures 14 times, including a personal best-tying 21 points Wednesday against Phoenix. His defense has improved (he blanketed Richard Jefferson completely in the second half of Monday’s win over San Antonio).
In those 16 games, he has averaged 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and shot .439 (82-of-187). Williams simply won’t settle. He wants to get better every game, every quarter. Here was Williams’ take on his 21-point, nine-assist, five-rebound game against Phoenix.
“I took a lot of shots I could have thought twice about or went to the hole,” he said. “I should have shot a way better percentage. So I wouldn’t take it as a game I improved.”
At least he sees that — along with the whole court.