Deron Williams: Last year 'behind us'
Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins is confident that Deron Williams will bounce back in 2014-15 following back-to-back seasons in which the three-time All-Star point guard was plagued by ankle injuries and struggled on the court as a result.
"There are a lot of expectations on him," Hollins said Sunday. "I don't [know] the reasons why -- [whether it be] the status he had when he was playing here, the contract. Whatever it may be, Deron Williams is a very good basketball player and Deron Williams is going to prove that this year with this team. And you guys are going to love him. Or respect him."
Williams hasn't been the same player since he agreed to a five-year, $98 million to remain in Brooklyn before the start of the 2012-13 campaign. He underwent surgery on both of his ankles this offseason following a 2013-14 season in which he averaged just 14.3 points and 6.1 assists.
"I don't think about last year," Williams said. "I'm not worried about last year. Last year is behind us. This is a new year, new team, new day."
http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/11606427/lionel-hollins-says-deron-williams-poised-strong-season-brooklyn-nets