Sports can provide a humbling experience.
Consider Sean Williams humbled.
“It’s been a humbling, learning experience,” Williams said of his season that started with him out of the rotation. Then in. Out. Then in the D-League. Then in handcuffs. Now back in the rotation.
If all that doesn’t humble you, what will?
“It’s just the experience of it all,” Williams, the Nets’ backup center of the moment, said before the Nets’ 111-99 victory over the Bulls last night in the Meadowlands. “I’ve been going through things and it’s really humbling. So I’m trying to make the best of it. I’m trying to learn from everything. Hopefully, it will help me in the future.”
Williams, the Nets’ 2007 first-round pick, impressed with his athleticism and shot-blocking skills last year. But he also disappointed with his lack of focus, concentration and grasp of the game.
He was one of the highlights of preseason. At least the start of preseason. When more time went to younger bigs such as Brook Lopez and Yi Jianlian, Williams went to the bench. An injury to Josh Boone provided time, so he got another chance. He didn’t overwhelm. Eventually, he was sent to the D-League, providing more underwhelming results. He was recalled – then endured the bizarre incident at Boston College where he was arrested for trespassing.
But when the Nets needed energy off the bench, all was quickly forgiven.
And especially when Williams produced in his first game back in the rotation Monday, bumping Boone. The numbers belie the contribution he made in 19 minutes. He didn’t attempt a shot – but he blocked three – gave five fouls, grabbed a couple rebounds. Above all, he energized and got a call-back for the rotation.
“Coach told me I’d have the opportunity to be the backup five and to just go out there and try to bring some energy, be a presence and help out on the boards,” Williams explained.
Done. And as long as it continues, Williams will play. The 19 minutes were the most he played since Nov. 21.
“He’s earned it. You hate to take a guy out of the rotation, because Josh wasn’t the reason we lost five in a row, but you’re looking for energy. And that’s one of Sean’s traits. If he’s consistent with it, then his minutes will be consistent,” coach Lawrence Frank said.
“That’s what he’s got to do consistently, that’s how he’s got to impact the game: high energy level, running the floor, crashing both boards, defensively being a presence around the rim. Performing your role with maximum enthusiasm, focus, concentration.”
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Jarvis Hayes prevailed and was on the active list to play last night. Logic, and the partially torn ligaments in Hayes’ left thumb, said he should wait until Sunday. But Hayes, whose thumb was wrapped, campaigned to play and won out. Why? “We’re one game behind Chicago,” he said beforehand.
Lopez entered five blocks short of Kenyon Martin’s record of 113 for a Net rookie. Asked the significance of 113, Lopez first said, “I’m guessing that’s the number of games the Detroit Tigers lost that year when they were really awful.”