The Brooklyn Nets might have added veteran firepower like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the roster, but make no mistake, this is Deron Williams team. The point guard is ready to take the Nets all the way this year after a first-round loss last year in the Eastern Conference playoffs. So can Williams beat out LeBron James for the MVP title? Jason Kidd certainly thinks he can.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, Kidd addressed the swirling rumors that Williams could be poised for the title. The highest the point guard has ever placed in MVP voting was ninth back in 2009-10. He averaged 18.7 points and 10.5 assists that year as the Utah Jazz went on to the Western Conference semifinals.
"It definitely excites me when they're talking about you like that," Kidd said. "I feel like if we're winning and I'm playing well, it will take care of itself. I don't get caught up too much into that stuff."
Williams thrives in a fast-paced offense, something the Nets failed at last season. In 2012 Brooklyn had a 91.23 pace, third-lowest in the league. During Williams best season, the Jazz posted a 96.03 pace. Much of that was due to the coaching style, something Kidd is lucking to change. Williams is hoping his head coach is more willing to push the pace.
"I definitely want to get back to running, and I think we want to as well. I think it's good. I've had a lot of success playing a lot more up-tempo, like my time in Utah, and I want to get back to playing like that," Williams said. "I think even though we're an older team, we still have guys that can run the floor. Like Paul [Pierce] and KG [Kevin Garnett]; even though they're older, they can still run. They're smart basketball players, so it's not about being the fastest guy; it's about being efficient and being smart about how you play."
The only standing in the point guard's way is an ankle injury that could limit him to start the year off. During offseason workouts, Williams suffered an ankle injury that left him in a walking boot. Not believed to be too serious, ESPN is reporting the point guard will undergo an MRI just in case.
"(My ankle's) good. It's good. As long as I'm ready for the start of the regular season (Oct. 30 in Cleveland), that's all that matters, but I'll be ready for the start of camp," Williams said, via ESPN.com.
Williams has suffered with ankle problems in the past so the injury is a bit of cause for concern. The point guard insists he will be ready to start training, but that will only happen if he gets medically cleared. Brooklyn opens up camp at Duke University on October 1.