In 36.7 minutes per game this season, Deron Williams is averaging an atrocious 40.2% from the field (career-low), 29.9% from beyond the arc (career-low) and still shooting 5.4 threes a game (career second-most), 81.5% from the line (mediocre), 3.1 rebounds (mediocre), 7.8 assists (career second-worst), 0.9 steals (career second-worst), and 16.6 points (career third-worst) a game.
Statistically, there are only two things Deron is doing good in. He's averaging a pretty low 2.8 turnovers a game and is also tying a career-high in blocks per game at 0.4.
Aside from that, there hasn't been much that Deron has done to impress.
Even moving aside from the stats for a second, Deron's body language is once again returning to prime form from his New Jersey days. Mid way through games he becomes lackadaisical and his movements speaks for itself. That attitude tends to spread and its end up with Gerald Wallace and a couple of scrubs fighting for minutes who are the only ones actually playing. The rest seem to just jog up and down the court. It's pathetic, and it all stems from Deron.
There are many suggestions we have for Deron for his Nets New Year's Resolution.
Shooting
The statistics were provided above about how poorly he's been shooting. What's worse is his shot selection. His drives to the basket are becoming a rarity. In the first 29 games he has played in this season, Deron averages a mere 3.1 shot attempts at the hoop, a little under a quarter of his total shot attempts. In comparison, last season he averaged 4.4 shots at the basket, about a quarter of his total shot attempts. In the half-Utah, half-New Jersey season? 5.03 shots were taken at the hoop a game, which equated to over a third of his shot attempts.
What's he doing instead? Taking more shots in the section of the court he is the worst at, beyond the arc. Historically Deron's been a decent three point shooter. As a result, he took a decent amount of shots from beyond the arc. In the 2010-2011 NBA season, Deron shot 31.8% of his threes from beyond the arc. This season? 39.5%. Let's not forget that Deron can't even make a third of those a game. Whether Avery had forced him to take those threes or Deron decided to go Mirza, this needs to stop. It's unacceptable. From within the paint, Deron is hitting at a 54.1% clip. People can blame it on his wrist, but he needs to start attacking the hoop.
Drive, Deron, drive!
Here's a quick look at Deron's FG% in the different spots of the floor as of December 30th, 2012.
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| Not the best looking FG chart |
Defense
Deron's defense looks at times to be atrocious. Quicker but less talented point guards seem to get past him, however Deron's opponent sports a mere 11.5 PER through the first 29 games of the season. On the opposing side, the team allows 8 points fewer per 100 possessions with him off the court so statistics would not be the best way to go here. He just needs to move his feet quicker so he doesn't get beaten off the pick and rolls. Historically he's been deemed a slightly above average defender but this year, everything Deron does seems to be on the downside. His size is generally looked at as an advantage over the smaller guards but if Deron can't react quick enough, it will turn for the worse.
Passion
This probably Deron's biggest concern. Shooting woes can be cured. Getting better shot selection can be preached about. But heart, passion and leaving everything on the court is what separates the top point guards from the rest. Deron has lacked that and it seems to be what's holding him back. He's not going to break out of his Nets slump magically, and frankly I don't think a coach can do too much either. It has to be within him to stop settling for lazy shots. We already saw how his shot selection and percentages have dropped. He has to start attacking, he needs to start hustling, and he needs to stop quitting. Teams have made comebacks several times when down by double-digits. Several times fans have witnessed how Deron just seems to leave the game when the Nets go down big or the other team starts streaking. He can't let that happen. He is supposed to be the leader of the team, whether he likes it or not. He has to embrace that role and bring out the best in not only himself, but also his teammates. Gerald Wallace can't be the only player busting his chops at all times during the game. If Deron plays with the same passion that Wallace does, I can guarantee we see a more effective Williams and as a result, a much better Brooklyn Nets squad.
His lack of aggression late in the games is on display for the world to see. He's put himself in the spotlight more so than ever since the organization hyped up the Nets team immensely this summer and now that Avery is gone.
In conclusion, Deron, your New Year's Resolution has you attacking the basket more, picking up your defense, and most importantly, going all out all game long, regardless of the circumstance.
And stop making excuses.
With that, have a Happy New Years!
Other players' resolutions:
Kris Humphries
Joe Johnson
Gerald Wallace
The Bench Mob: Part One
The Bench Mob: Part Two
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