Terrence Williams Is a Late Opportunity for New Jersey Nets
Rick Pitino always has a high regard for Terrence Williams, “He’s a freakish athlete” as he proudly says it. Terrence is a high leaper who has extraordinary athletic abilities.
However, punctuality, not so much.
Terrence knew how his fellow draftee Hasheem Thabeet felt, who was the 2009 second overall pick, when he got demoted by the Memphis Grizzlies to the D-league. Hasheem is clearly an unpolished center and needs the experience, and Williams is confident his athleticism is enough to keep him playing in the NBA.
However, he failed to look at everything in a bigger picture.
Anything is possible.
Today the NBA, tomorrow you’re in for a five hour bus ride to a D-league game.
The New Jersey Nets had enough of Williams’ tardiness that they sent their prize forward to the Springfield Armor of the D-league. This may be a harsh punishment for someone with Williams' abilities. The team needs someone like Terrence, who can score and defend the basket.
Let’s face it, the Nets don’t have the luxury to do this when they are just a win ahead of the LA Clippers at 6-19 for the worst record in the NBA.
However, it’s not all about giving Williams a lesson. It’s all about putting him back to reality.
A D-league ball boy who was 12 years old gave a piece of advice to Williams, “Why would you want to have an attitude, and be late—the simplest things you can control? And you get to be in the NBA? I would die to do that, so don’t blow it.”
It was a straight, forward piece of advice with a simple message. Opportunities are never lost; someone will take the one you miss.
Many tried to get back, but stumbled on their way to the top. Allen Iverson, Antoine Walker and Stephon Marbury are just a few NBA superstars with exceptional skills, but ended with no NBA teams hiring them.
Those three games in the D-league definitely brought Williams back to his senses. He now learned his lesson.
However, after being reinstated, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. In a team where he has to battle minutes with talented guard/forwards such as Shaine Battier, Chase Budinger, Kevin Martin and Courtney Lee.
He has to prove himself again…
He wanted a chance to prove to his old team that he is a new person, and that he would never take everything for granted. Now he has to do it by spending more time on the bench.
“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can—there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did."
It looks like it’s too late for Williams.
Even in opportunity he still has a problem with punctuality.
A new road has opened; all Terrence has to do now is start walking.
