The comparison came almost immediately. Sean Williams, the Boston College athletic shot-blocker supreme, might be the next Kenyon Martin. Now the Nets may settle for Williams being the next Mikki Moore.
As Moore, the Nets’ free agent coming off a career season, continues touring interested teams after rejecting New Jersey’s initial offer, Williams makes his debut of sorts tonight. That’s when the Nets’ entry makes its first appearance in the Orlando summer league against the Magic.
“I just can’t wait to get out on the court,” said Williams, expected to sign his rookie contract today. “This is what I’m built for. I want to show I can play at an NBA level. I want to prove my skills, show them I’m worthy of the 17th pick.”
That’s where the Nets picked Williams whose off-court problems no doubt led to his drop to 17. But the Nets believe Williams is not a bad guy and worth the risk. In initial workouts for the summer league, Williams showed enough to indicate there is reason for exceptional good feeling about his game.
“He’s got a little better post game than I first thought,” admitted coach Lawrence Frank. “He still has a long ways to go but he’s able to score a little bit in the post more than I thought.”
The Nets knew of Williams’ defensive skill. Now they hope there is something on the other side of the ball, especially if Moore does not return. The NBA leader in field goal percentage last season (.609), Moore is hoping to cash in on his outstanding season.
Moore, 32 in November and entering his 10th season, started 55 games for the Nets and finished averaging career bests across the board.
“Mikki has got a huge heart and he was great for us,” said team president Rod Thorn. “He is checking out all available opportunities, as he should.”
Both sides have indicated a desire to keep the relationship going. Thorn steadfastly refused to discuss any contractual numbers but would like Moore back at reasonable rates – he made $1,071,225 last year.
Moore has met with Chicago officials and has received interest from Memphis. He’d like a mid-level exception deal, worth around $6 million per. The Nets almost certainly would not pay that – sources said they offered three years at around $10 million and were rejected.
The Nets have options open and have interest in big men Jamaal Magloire and Joe Smith.