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Brooklyn Nets Injury News: Point Guard Deron Williams To Be Sidelined Indefinitely

By Kenneth Teape

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Brooklyn Nets Injury News: Deron Williams Has Fractured Rib, Will Be Sidelined Indefinitely

The Brooklyn Nets announced Thursday that point guard Deron Williams will be sidelined indefinitely with a fractured rib. The MRI that Williams underwent showed a fracture in the 12th rib, and he will be re-evaluated in a week. Williams originally fractured the rib Sunday against the Miami Heat, and re-aggravated Wednesday only four minutes into his night against the Boston Celtics after sitting out Monday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, all three games which were losses for the Nets.

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Nets’ physician Riley Williams III said, “Deron reported some soreness above this area over the weekend and as a result underwent imaging studies on Monday, which were negative. Yesterday during the game he reported a new onset of symptoms below the prior area of soreness. New imaging studies done today demonstrated the fracture. There is no timetable for his return.”

This is the second injury Williams has suffered this season, as he also strained his calf in December that forced him to miss two games. So while he has been relatively healthy this season, his production has not been there, as he has been relatively ineffective for most of the season.

The 30-year old Williams is currently having the worst shooting season of his career, knocking down only 39.6 percent of hit shots, which is translating to 13.9 points per game, his lowest output since his rookie season in 2005-2006. The 6.3 assists per game are just 0.2 more than last season, which was also his lowest amount since his rookie season. Oddly enough, this is actually Williams’ best season from the foul line, and the 38.9 percent from behind the three-point line is the third best mark for his career.

Luckily for the Nets, they have a capable backup in Jarrett Jack, who they acquired in an offseason trade. In 10 starts this season, Jack has averaged 15.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting with 5.3 assists. On the season overall, Jack is scoring 10.8 points per game on 45.1 percent shooting with 3.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

The Nets, however, are dangerously thin at the point guard position, and have run Jack into the ground with Williams injured. Jack has played an astounding 83 minutes in the last two games, which is a quick formula to have him sidelined next to Williams instead of on the court. Head coach Lionel Hollis is aware of this, saying, “I have to let up or Jarrett will be hurt.” Jack was actually given the day off from practice Thursday so that he could rest.

The only other point guard the Nets have on the roster currently is Darius Morris, but Joe Johnson is capable of running the offense if need be. The Nets do have one roster spot available right now, and could hand out a 10-day contract to a player if they feel they need another point guard.

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Thus far the Nets have played the easiest schedule in the NBA with their opponents having a .471 winning percentage; that will change the rest of January as eight of their last 12 games in the month are against teams with winning records. One of those games not against a .500 team is against the Detroit Pistons, arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now.

Even with Williams struggling this season, the Nets are undoubtedly a better team when he is able to play. If the Nets want to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference they will need him back, as things are about to get more difficult.

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