Even With Deron Williams, the New Jersey 'Nots' Will Continue to Fail

Despite the acquisition of two-time All-Star Deron Williams, the New Jersey Nets remain a farce in the NBA.

The Nets remain in fourth place in the Atlantic Division, and the only reason they're not in last is because they were blessed with the opportunity to play in the same division as the Toronto Raptors.

New Jersey ranks last in the league in attendance, barely drawing 13,000 fans every home game. Even with the arrival of Williams, the Nets still feature a roster of no-name players. Their starters would ride the bench on any other team, and Jay-Z having part ownership in the team is the reason most fans show up to games anyway.

Owner Mikhail Prokhorov has been scrutinized for the Nets' failure as an organization, and his inability to sign Carmelo Anthony added to the dissatisfaction basketball fans in New Jersey have had for years.

Of course Deron Williams brings unbelievable talent to East Rutherford. But he has no supporting cast. Is Sasha Vujacic supposed to be the Robin to Williams' Batman? I don't think so.

Let's not forget that the Nets traded former All-Star Devin Harris and 2010 first-round draft pick Derrick Favors in order to get Williams. The Nets took Favors third overall in last year's draft, but the rookie out of Georgia Tech has struggled this season averaging less than seven points and five boards a game.

Apparently the Nets are giving up on rebuilding. They dished out two of their young prospects in Harris and Favors, and relinquished two future first round picks as well as $3 million in order to acquire Williams.

Maybe a big name like Williams will draw more fans to the games. Although as lousy as they play, I'm sure a glance of Jay-Z court side would be more of a treat.

Williams is set to hit free agency after the season is over anyway. Unless Prokhorov can persuade him to sign a long-term deal and make him the face of the new Brooklyn franchise, the Nets will fall even further into the abyss.

There's a reason Carmelo chose the Knicks over the Nets. He couldn't win a championship by himself.

When the Nets relocate to Brooklyn, they'll still be "little brother" to the Knicks. The Knicks have Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. The Nets have Deron Williams and Jordan Farmar? Come on.

Oh well. Maybe Jay-Z will put on a free show after every Nets home game. That should get the attendance booming.