Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams has really had a tough stretch lately. Brooklyn is down 0-2 after a Game 2 lost to the Atlanta Hawks and Williams had one of his worst playoff games ever. Williams shot 1-for-7, only scored two points and missed a wide open potential game-tying jumper with 10 seconds remaining in the game.
Ex-teammate Paul Pierce, currently of the Washington Wizards, told ESPN recently that’s Williams don’t want to be an MVP candidate and had let the pressure of playing in the New York media market get to him. NBA analyst Reggie Miller was asked about Pierce’s comments and the Williams’ criticism continued.
“I can’t argue with what Paul Pierce said. I have to agree with him. I don’t really like to kill guys, but you have to call a spade a spade. I think he’s right on,” said Miller.
But coach Lionel Hollins wasn’t going to let Miller’s comment slide without coming to support his point guard.
“Who cares what Reggie says? Reggie’s had bad moments himself in the playoffs. All these guys [former basketball players and TV analyst] act like they’ve never made a mistake, never missed a shot. I mean … All they are are talking heads now. They’re not basketball players anymore. Their former basketball player that are talking heads.”
“I don’t mind them having their opinions… But they’re sitting here asking me how a guy thinks before all of these guys [have said something]. They are not the only one that have come in. That’s what all of you guys do — you write, those are your comments; you’re on TV, you have to talk about it. But you can’t live your life through those guys.”
“I feel bad for Deron and I think it’s unfair, but it’s life. When you’re in this business and you’re in the public eye, there’s going to be a lot of unfairness,” added coach Hollins.
I don’t know what has got into Williams but he hasn’t been himself for the last 2 seasons. Maybe its old age or maybe it is the bright light of New York. Everyone isn’t built to be in the spot light Like New York everyday.
HT: ESPN
