Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams returned to Nets practice today, per reports, after missing the last two games with a low-grade calf strain.
Deron Williams was back at #Nets practice today. No word on his status for Friday's game, yet.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 24, 2014
The Nets have won both of their games (albeit against teams under .500) in Williams’s absence, and Hollins doesn’t feel any rush to bring Williams back into the starting lineup right away:
Should've tweeted that Hollins said Williams probably would come off the bench. Not definitely. Sorry about that. Still…
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) December 24, 2014
Hollins on if DWill reenters the starting lineup immediately upon his return: “Probably not.” Extended quote here… pic.twitter.com/tYq4m7bQf5
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 24, 2014
Jarrett Jack has started in Williams’s absence in the last two games, putting up 32 points and 18 assists combined in the two victories, shooting 14-27 from the field. Jack’s shot distribution has been a major factor in his turnaround: while Jack took a lot of contested mid-range shots with the second unit, he’s shown more of a focus on attacking the basket or distributing with the starters.
These two shot distribution (not shot efficiency) charts, the first from Jack’s first 25 games of the season and the latter from Jack’s two starts, tell the whole story.
Williams did not speak with the media, per reports.
