Is it Time to Rest Deron Williams?

Deron Williams' struggles have been well-engraved in the minds of several Nets fans. His decline from his Utah days is so noticeable, but nobody has been able to pinpoint that could be causing this decline. As was mentioned in this article chronicling Deron's decline statistically, it was noted that Deron's FG% dropped immediately after the trade to the Nets. Coincidentally, he was taken out for the rest of the season during the year of his trade to Nets after they fell out of playoff contention due to a wrist injury.

So the question as of now is, is Deron William's wrist causing his shooting problems?

Steve Lichtenstein takes a peek into the possibility.

Williams received a cortisone shot prior to the season to ease the pain from bone spurs in his left ankle, an injury that could require surgery at some point. Then there was the fall during the November 23rd Clippers game that caused a sprain in his right wrist, which had previously been operated on at the end of the 2011 season. That knockdown occurred only a week after Williams banged his right elbow while falling to the floor in a game at Sacramento. It would seem these things might hinder a players’ shooting ability, right?

Deron Williams' assist numbers have decreased as well, but he is still one of the top point guards in assists. Despite the injuries, he's been able to be a very effective ball-handler.

However, if injuries are having an impact on his shooting, it is better to take him out the game for a while.

If it’s the injuries that are preventing Williams from succeeding, then the Nets must examine this situation now before it’s too late. Better to give Williams a day or two off in December than to have him playing at substantially less than 100% for the entire season and playoffs.

As stated in Howard Megdel of Capital New Yorks' post about the same possible solution, despite playing through his injuries, Coach Avery Johnson has not reduced Deron Williams minutes. One would assume that a more limited Williams would result in less further damage to his wrist while playing an efficient level.

Yet, both authors conclude that it is time to give Deron Williams a break from the action. Megdel points out that Billy King built this team on versatility and parts that can replace one another. With Brook Lopez out, Andray Blatche has filled in tremendously in his place as a starter. To take out Deron Williams for just a few games would bring in a more than capable replacement in C.J. Watson. Watson had to fill in the shoes of an injured Derrick Rose last season at times and there was little disruption in the team's flow. King brought in pieces for these types of reasons, to replace injured players while trying not to skip a beat. If Deron's poor shooting is a result of his injuries, King and the Nets management are not taking advantage of their situation.

But now why doesn't Deron Williams stand up and tell management that it'd be better for him to sit out? Lichtenstein explains.

Of course, everyone keeps downplaying the effects of these mishaps. It’s part of the NBA code not to talk about injuries. If you’re well enough to take the court, there are no excuses. And there better be a good reason why you can’t play.

As of now, Deron can play. He's been playing, but at a very sub-par level for someone just signing a $100 million contract.

Solution: Take Deron out for around three or four games and let his wrist heal up before it gets too late. A rested and fully-functional Deron Williams with a shot is much more deadly than a sub-par, under-performing  injured Deron Williams.

Can We Give Deron a Break, Please? - Capital New York
Is It Time For The Nets Give D-Will A Game Off? - CBS New York

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