NET NOTES
For Nets’ center Jayson Williams, it seemed like forever since the last time he played basketball, meaningful or not. Since fracturing his right leg last April Fool’s Day, his rehab had felt like endless days of exams and lifting and exercising; everything but picking up a ball.
So there’s no wonder that Williams’ ever-present smile was even bigger and brighter than usual at yesterday’s practice. It had killed him to spend Tuesday lifting in the weight room just feet away while his teammates practiced; but yesterday he actually took to the floor and played one-on-one with small forward Scott Burrell. And afterward, he boldly pronounced he’d be ready to play no later than December, at least a full month ahead of schedule.
“I feel good. I played basketball today for the first time in a long time. I played four games against Scott Burrell. I beat him twice, but that doesn’t say much,” Williams joked. “I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes; I did some weight training; I feel really good about it. I feel like I need another week of work to get it strong, and another two or three to get in tip-top shape.”
The Nets have been understandably cautious about the progress of their All-Star center and had said they didn’t expect him back before New Year’s, but he was far more optimistic.
“I heard the Nets say I’m coming back when they’re ready; that’s football mentality. [This is basketball, and] I’m coming back when I want to,” Williams said. “They’re shooting for January; I’m shooting for December.”
Coach Don Casey said he wouldn’t bet against it.
“Dare I go against Jayson?” Casey laughed. “He’s Jayson. He’s feeling perky, he’s feeling optimistic. If it looks like the [healing] process is finished, next is can he do the demands of the game? He may be able to walk, he may be able to dance, he may be able to live a life; but can he play basketball? He’ll decide that.”
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Point guard Stephon Marbury was back at full speed after taking Tuesday off with flu-like symptoms … Center Evan Eschmeyer was out of his sling yesterday. After Casey had originally feared the 6-11, 255-pounder might miss his entire rookie season, Eschmeyer is insisting he’ll play this year.