How Deron Williams Re-Signing with Nets Reshapes NBA's Eastern Conference
As could only be expected of the social media era, one of the biggest re-signings of the offseason has occurred and been reported via Twitter. Oh, the times we live in.
Superstar point guard and prized possession of this year's class of free agents Deron Williams has announced his decision in a way that puts LeBron James' saga to shame. After all, Williams used a tweet and a picture linked to Lockerz.com to announce his decision.
"Made a very tough decision today.... lockerz.com/s/222071318
— Deron Williams (@DeronWilliams) July 3, 2012"
For those unwilling to click the link included, it leads to a picture of the Brooklyn Nets' new logo. Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York confirms that this is in fact a sign of things to come. Deron Williams has re-signed with the Brooklyn Nets.
With two All-Stars, Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, now under contract, as well as one of the game's premier perimeter defenders, Gerald Wallace, the Nets are built for instant success. With the potential for a Dwight Howard deal still alive and well, the Nets may be built for a run at the NBA championship.
Until that deal goes through, however, the Nets are limited to their triumphant trio.
So how does this shape the Eastern Conference? With aging teams on your left and injury-plagued contenders on your right, it appears the Nets could be in store for a straight-forward path that leads them to the Miami Heat. Before we get carried away, however, we must evaluate the team's true chances.
Unlike most Big Three's formed around the NBA, the Nets have a legitimate fourth and fifth option. Second-year shooting guard MarShon Brooks is viewed to have star potential, which could lead to his eventual inclusion in Sixth Man of the Year talks. Reggie Evans, meanwhile, is one of the most respected big men in the game for his toughness, physicality and rebounding prowess.
As the Los Angeles Clippers can testify to, he's the kind of player who can help you win a few games.
The next question, of course, is how they match up with the Eastern elite.
The only logical place to begin is with the hyped New York Knicks. The Nets' cross-bridge rival puts forth a formidable roster with more depth than a first glance would suggest. Unfortunately, the Knicks are a team built around two players who demand having the ball in their hands.
While the Knicks have shown promise with just one of the two in the lineup, they have never had success with both Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire present. Until one is dealt, that trend will continue.
The Nets, meanwhile, are built around three players with playing styles that flow. Gerald Wallace is a defensive-minded athlete on the perimeter who scores mostly in transition or off of slashing attacks. Joe Johnson is an elite jump shooter who plays best when he has a point guard to set him up for open shots.
To put that all together, there's Deron Williams, one of the game's top-five point guards. The Brooklyn Nets are built to win in a way that the New York Knicks simply can't match for an extended period of time.
The Boston Celtics may offer the Nets their toughest test, as they pair top point guard Rajon Rondo with Jason Terry at the 2, Paul Pierce at the 3 and Kevin Garnett at the center position. The advantage that Brooklyn holds, however, is athleticism, something that the Celtics have long been in need of.
Even with the drafting of Fab Melo, the Boston Celtics simply cannot match the explosiveness of the Nets' lineup. While they could prevail in a seven-game series, the on-court advantage lies in the hands of Avery Johnson and the Brooklyn Nets.
Here's where it gets tricky.
The Chicago Bulls are led by a player who can match Deron Williams blow for blow, Derrick Rose. They're also built around a player who fairs nicely against Gerald Wallace in Luol Deng. Throw in Carlos Boozer, who one would hope could emerge at some point in his Chicago tenure, and you've got yourself a formidable attack.
Unfortunately, the Bulls have no answer for Joe Johnson at the 2. Fortunately, they have depth that Brooklyn currently lacks and the best up-and-coming coach in the game.
Advantage Bulls until Dwight Howard arrives.
Miami Heat
With Dwight Howard, the Brooklyn Nets have distinct advantages at two positions and tough matchups at the Heat's best two. Believe it or not, this game could be decided by the offensive production of the often-maligned Chris Bosh.
Without Dwight Howard, however, the Heat prevail. Deron Williams is clearly the superior point guard in this case, while Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace are good but not good enough to thrive as the focal points of the Nets' attack. Although the games would be close, Miami would take this series.
So where do the Nets fit in?
With all things weighed and measured, the Nets weigh in right around the two or three spot in the East. The Knicks could leapfrog them if their chemistry issues are ever sorted out, but as long as the Melo-Amar'e tandem continues it's Brooklyn who is New York's best team.
This leaves them a few steps behind Miami and a hair off of Chicago's tail. As we all know, however, Dwight Howard could change everything.
