Deron Williams: Nets years made me question if I wanted to play basketball
Mavericks point guard Deron Williamstold Yahoo! Sports that his time with the Nets made him question his love for basketball.
“It took a lot out of me, man, those three years. Some of the hardest in my life,” Williams said. “Made me question if I even wanted to play basketball when I was done with that contract.”
The Mavericks are set to play the Nets on Wednesday.
Williams signed a two-year contract with the Mavericks in July. He signed a max contract to remain with the Nets from 2012 to 2015 and struggled in his final year, averaging 13.0 points and 6.6 assists with a career-worst in 38.7% shooting percentage from the field.
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The Nets only managed to win one playoff series after Williams's contract extension in 2012. The point guard also missed time due to injuries throughout his Nets tenure.
“Like I said, I knew things would’ve been different if I wouldn’t have been hurt. And wouldn't have had four coaches in three and a half years. Wouldn't have had to learn a new system every six months,” Williams said. ”But things happen for a reason. It’s all God’s plan. That part of my life is over. And I can focus on this. It's a new chapter in my life. I’m excited about this.”
Wednesday night's contest will be Williams's first game at the Barclays Center since his $27.5 million buyout. Williams is averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 assists and 3.3 rebound per game this season for the Mavs, who are 15–12.
- Christopher Chavez
