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Good read. But I wonder if he will still be here after the deadline...
This article was written 5 days ago but I don't think someone has posted it.
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dl...21/1009/SPORTS
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
CELTICS NOTES
By Bill Doyle TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
BOSTON— Eric Williams hardly ever gets to play, but the former Celtic is happier than he’s been in years.
Why?
Because for the first time in his 12 NBA seasons, he’s finally on a legitimate NBA championship contender — the San Antonio Spurs.
“The basketball gods must like me,” Williams said last night before the Spurs played the Celtics. “I paid my dues. I’ve been in some crazy organizations, outside of the Celtics. You come full circle every now and again.”
Williams was miserable riding the bench for a year and half on terrible Toronto teams before the Spurs acquired him and Matt Bonner last June for Rasho Nesterovic.
“It’s a night-and-day situation,” Williams said. “This is a team that knows what direction it wants to go, and that’s winning the championship, not just going to it, but winning it. I can finally say I was on a team like this, with an organization that really epitomizes winning, the way it’s supposed to be done in the NBA.”
Williams never wanted to be in Toronto. He signed with New Jersey as a free agent 2-1/2 years ago to be close to his son, who stays with Williams’ mother in Newark, and was devastated when the Nets traded him to Toronto.
Williams didn’t play last night and has gotten into only 14 games and averaged just 2.8 points and 0.9 rebounds in 5.8 minutes. But he has made half of his 3-point shots, so he could be a threat come playoff time.
“I’m surrounded by about 30 rings right now,” Williams said. “I’m just trying to fit in the best way I can.”
Williams has grown to appreciate Tim Duncan even more now that’s he’s a teammate.
“He’s just a winner,” Williams said. “He shows by example. He doesn’t say too much, but on the floor he says a lot. I’ve never played with a center before, a true big man, a threat down low.”
Williams still follows the Celtics, especially Ryan Gomes, like himself a former Providence College star. Williams often wonders what would have happened if the Celtics had kept their 2002 Eastern Conference final team intact.
“If we could have kept that team together,” Williams said, “it would have been nice probably right now in the East.”
Williams can’t believe the number of injuries the Celtics have suffered.
“It’s crazy,” he said, “but it gives the young guys a chance to develop. That’s what it’s supposed to be about right now — rebuilding. They’re getting a crash course right now.”
As far as Williams is concerned, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has the proper touch in dealing with his veteran team. “Pop knows how to get his players ready,” Williams said. “He knows how to take days off and let our bodies replenish. It’s been good.”
Good read. But I wonder if he will still be here after the deadline...
It would be nice if could step up again. I wonder what the issue is. I was under the assumption that he defense was above par, which is better than 90% of our team at the moment. He can also hit the 3. So what is the deal?
I'd like to see him earn the Spurs a 6'9" athletic wing player in a trade.
I find it hard to believe with all the crappy play from the bench there hasn't been an opportunity to get at least an extended look at what Williams might be able to do.
this is another reason why there is a consensus that pop's rotations have been absurdly bad
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