Deron Williams is happy to be in Dallas. The former Nets point guard made that clear in an interview published on the team's website. One of the reasons he's excited to be with the Mavericks is the peace and calm they offer, as opposed to the Nets.
Deron Williams thinks the Mavericks offer ‘stability’. He might be mistaken
Williams is happy about not being a Net anymore, but if he’s truly looking for stability, Dallas isn’t the best place to find it.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
“You know, there’s definitely a stability about this organization that’s definitely intriguing,” Williams said. “You know, they have guys that have been here forever, so it’s just about plugging in the new pieces — myself included — and just trying to get to work. But, you know, I’m just excited about this opportunity, and I’m ready to get the season going.”
The statement can be interpreted as a dig at the Nets, who released Williams after several disappointing seasons. If that's the case, Williams isn't wrong. The Nets have gone through some significant roster turnover over the years; the only player that was there since Williams arrived until he left was Brook Lopez. The front office made huge multi-player trades, landing Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. All but Johnson have moved on. They've also had four different coaches in Williams' four and a half years with the franchise.
The franchise seems intent on going on a different direction now. Williams had two years left on his contract with the Nets but agreed to a buyout early in the offseason. His relationship with coach Lionel Hollins had reportedly deteriorated so much that it almost came to blows during last season. Parting ways was the best solution for both parties. It allowed the Nets to avoid the repeater luxury tax and Williams to return home to Texas.
If stability is what he's craving, however, the Mavericks are far from the best landing spot. Since winning the title in 2011, the team has been dismantled. The only player from that squad that is in the roster other than Dirk Nowitzki is J.J. Barea, who returned after a stint in Minnesota. The Mavericks have been signing players to short contracts -- not unlike Williams' -- and trying their luck at free agency.
That approach has led to as much roster turnover as Williams experienced in Brooklyn. Outside of Nowitzki, the longest tenured Maverick is little used back up center Bernard James, who has been with the team since 2012-13. Just this past summer, Dallas lost two starters and several rotation players like Al-Farouq Aminu, Richard Jefferson and Amar'e Stoudemire. Outside of Wesley Matthews, there are no core players signed past this upcoming season. The front office has also never been shy about making mid-season trades. Williams would be wise to not get too comfortable in Dallas or too attached to his teammates.
Perhaps Williams is referring specifically to the front office and the coaching staff. Rick Carlisle has been with Dallas since 2008, while general manager Donnie Nelson has been with the team since 1998.
Nevertheless, while it’s understandable for Williams to be happy he’s received a fresh start, he’s come to a franchise that’s turning over its roster even more frequently than the team he escaped.
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