D-Will will be fundamental for Nets this year.
Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams has handed his team-mates a boost after participating in contact drills for the first time since training camp began.
The 29-year-old suffered a sprained ankle during an off-season workout in Utah last month, and has been unable to take part in any of the pre-season activities thus far.
However, his timely return with just six days to go before the season starts will come as a welcome boost for head coach Jason Kidd who will hope to have his floor general healthy as soon as possible.
“It was good to get back out there,” said Williams according to ESPN.
“It was only for like 15-20 minutes, but to do contact, 5-on-5 half-court, you’re not part of the cheerleading squad. So it was definitely good to be out there.”
Williams will not play in Wednesday night’s pre-season game against the Boston Celtics and is likely to be absent in the final game on Friday in Miami.
It will be vital for the Nets to have their point guard available as soon as possible as he will look to familiarise himself with his new team-mates.
With Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry all arriving from Boston this summer, the Nets have been tipped to be a contender for the championship this year.
However, Kidd of all coaches will know that he will need Williams to be in action and in rhythm as the season progresses.
Williams admitted that it was a frustrating period for his pre-season preparations to be disrupted by injury, but having now come through his first session untroubled he will hope to continue to work on his fitness and play catch-up.
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