New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams makes a good start at Besiktas – NBA Update
New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams is playing well for his new team in Turkey. The All-Star point guard has played two exhibition games so far for Besiktas and has scored a total of 35 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
After arriving in Turkey, Williams played his first exhibition game for Besiktas on Saturday, 10th of September, against Italy’s Montepaschi Siena. In a tight game, which Besiktas won by 93-91, Williams scored 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead from the front. However, it was clear that Williams struggled to gel in the team plays and as such his chemistry with other players was missing.
After the game, Williams also left a comment for his fans on a social media website (Twitter). “Finally got a good night sleep! Going to my first practice. Played last night without knowing any plays”
A day after on 12th September, Besiktas and Williams took on Russian team Spartak St. Petersburg in their second exhibition match. Although, Deron Williams played tremendously throughout the game but even his presence could not help Besiktas avoid a 76-67 defeat. Williams finished the game with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists.
Besiktas, with Williams in their roster, will play their first official game on 27th September. These exhibition games have however provided him with good opportunity to acclimatize with the European style of play.
Williams, who was arrived in Turkey on Thursday with his family, signed a one year contract with Besiktas in July. He was one of the very first players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) who had signed an overseas contract immediately after the lockout was imposed on the league. He is also the third Nets’ player who is linked with a Turkish team during the work stoppage in the league. Sasha Vujacic and the Nets’ recently drafted Bojan Bogdanovic are two other players who will also feature for Turkish basketball clubs this fall.
Williams has an escape clause in his contract as per the FIBA regulations. If the NBA owners and the Player’s union (NBPA) do reach an accord any time soon and the NBA season kicks off, the clause will allow Williams to return to NBA with any complications.
The only issue that the Nets and Williams fan will be concerned about is the wrist injury, he endured in the second half of last season. If Williams somehow aggravates that injury or even sustain some other, it can be of great concern for Nets, who are looking to build their team around him.
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