After signing the elite of free agency's second tier, the New Jersey Nets are still without a starting power forward.
Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, and Amar'e Stoudemire all opted to play elsewhere and David Lee found himself the recipient of a near max-contract from the Golden State Warriors.
The situation turned into a dilemma for New Jersey. The Nets also struck out on perennial underachiever Tyrus Thomas, who resigned with the Charlotte Bobcats.
Now the Nets are left with a glut at the scoring guard position. Anthony Morrow and Jordan Farmar were brought in to play behind Courtney Lee and Devin Harris, respectively. Travis Outlaw and rookie Damion James have the No. 3 spot manned.
So where does all of this leave Terrence Williams?
According to the Star-Ledger's Dave D'Alessandro, on the trading block.
Down the stretch of last year's debacle of a season, Williams emerged as the Nets' most athletic players. In fact, Williams emerged as one of the most freakish athletes in the league.
He threw down in a fashion that would make LeBron James proud, and his passing would leave Steve Nash impressed.
Despite all the talent, Williams is a man without a position. His shot is not consistent enough for the No. 2 and his turnover potential eliminates him from the ideal point guard candidate.
Williams has star potential, though.
On Apr. 9, Williams logged a triple-double in 49 minutes against a Chicago Bulls team scrapping and clawing to get into the playoffs. Williams owned the game, registering 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Based on Williams' late-season development, a trade involving Williams should garner a big name player in return. Mr. D'Alessandro's top three to come back in a trade: Sacramento's Carl Landry, Milwaukee's Ersan Ilyasova, or Chicago's Taj Gibson. All three are comparable to the players the Nets just signed: role players with limited ceilings.
While Williams is without a true position, new head coach Avery Johnson's responsibility is to get the most out of him. The talent is there.
As currently constructed, the Nets are destined for another lottery. Trading away one of the best assets on this team would be extremely nearsighted. Sadly, a trade of this kind would be nothing new for new general manager Billy King.
King spent the majority of his tenure in Philadelphia grasping at straws to find a quick fix for both Allen Iverson and Larry Brown.
There's a big difference, however. Philadelphia was an eastern powerhouse. New Jersey is still a work-in-progress.
The Nets are better suited starting Kris Humphries or Johan Petro and having rookie Derrick Favors coming off the bench.That scenario won't win many games, but the big picture shouldn't yield to a few inconsequential wins.
New Jersey needs to find the players that are long-term answers ready to play alongside a superstar brought in via free agency in the upcoming seasons.
Terrence Williams should be part of the solution... in a Nets uniform.
Comments
Some huge names there for sure
/sarcasm
If Williams cut his turnovers, he can be an all-star PG ala Magic Johnson.
You don't have to be a great shooter for a no.2 as long as they are surrounded by good enough knock down shooters.
Wasted so much cap space on role players like Farmar, Outlaw, and Petro. I'd rather have Richard Jefferson back.
The kid is a real weapon, and a unique talent, with star potential. In addition to the triple double against Chicago, there were a number of games down the stretch where Williams looked like the best player on the court for either team. He followed up the triple double with games of 15-8-7 and 21-13-6 in his next two.
It will be extremely frustrating to the fans that this team does have, if they don't make an effort to integrate this kid into what they want to do. He's their most versatile, exciting, and physically gifted player.
If the Nets were shopping him for a player like David West, that could be defended. Gibson, Landry, and Ilyasova are not the kind of names someone with T-Will's athleticism should bring in return.
Like I said, the Nets are not a threatening team in the East and are likely headed for the Lottery again. The onus is on Johnson to find a place for T-Will to flourish, because he has more physical talent than anyone currently on the roster in the backcourt.
Twill rebounds like he's 6'11".
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