The Artist Formerly Known As D-Will landed in Dallas this summer, after wearing out his welcome in Brooklyn.
Deron Williams, 31, never lived up to the enormous expectations that came with inking a five-year, $99 million contract with the Nets back in 2012, but says he’s looking forward to giving his career a jolt in Texas.
Williams thinks the Mavericks can make some serious noise next season.
Per the Mavs’ team website:
“Just getting started, man. A fresh start is what I’m most excited about,” Williams said Wednesday. “You know, playing with this group of guys, I feel like we have a great group of guys here, and so (I’m looking forward to) just getting everybody healthy and getting on the court with them.” […] He added: “It’s been a great transition for me. You know, it’s tough to pick up and move that quick and find schools for your kids and all that. But, as far as what’s going on here, these guys have been great and helping. The transition has been really smooth, and I’m excited about this season.”
Capturing gold medals with Team USA in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Williams also garnered All-NBA Second Team honors in 2008 and 2010. However, after playing for four different coaches in the last 3 1/2 seasons in Brooklyn, the 31-year-old Williams says it’s the stability of the Dallas locker room that has him eager for the upcoming campaign as he slides into Mavs coach Rick Carlisle’s starting lineup. […] The Colony native also expects to thrive while playing alongside 13-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, looking to recreate the pick-and-roll continuity that he shared with former teammate Carlos Boozer earlier in his career. And while hoping to quickly jell with Nowitzki on the court, Williams will look to lighten the burden on the 37-year-old as he enters Year 18.
“It’s going to be great. I mean, Dirk could play until he’s 50, man, the way he shoots the ball,” Williams explained. “He’s always going to be able to shoot the ball, and he does so much more. I’ve always had a lot of respect for his game and what he does and brings to the court, and so I’m definitely excited as a point guard to be able to play with someone of his caliber. I mean, I’m definitely excited about that. You know, there’s definitely a stability about this organization that’s definitely intriguing. 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.”
