Day 4: Sean stuffing and slamming

One sequence went like this: Sean Williams tipped in a missed shot then on the other end stuffed an Antoine Wright slam try.

Later in the scrimmage, Williams swatted Wright again. And a little later threw down a tomahawk slam in transition.

First thought – the rookie gives the Nets energy, effort, and you see why he’s been called a Kenyon Martin-type of player. How can he not play?

Then you realize he’s not as polished as Martin, who was raw himself. You also realize it’s a scrimmage and the naked eye probably is not picking up when Williams is in the wrong place on offense or on defense or whether he’s doing everything the coaches ask of him when we’re not in there.

Yet the athletic forward is opening some eyes with his early play.

“I’m really surprised with Sean,” said Bostjan Nachbar, who has been very impressive in camp. “He’s got a long way to guy, no question about that – but he has the ability to change the game. He’s showing that this training camp.”

Even Jason Kidd concurred that he’s a Martin-type of player

“He blocks shots, rebounds; he’s a live wire,” Kidd said. “You need those type of guys on your team to keep the ball alive and get you extra shots, block a shot get out and run and finish. He can do all those things.”

Here's Lawrence Frank's take:

“I think Sean has had some good moments, which is very encouraging. What Sean has shown that we didn’t see in summer league is that playing with the better players his competitive edge has risen as well. Like any young player there is going to be a lot of days when you don’t see that. He’s had some good moments. We just have to build on it. He’s done some eye-opening things. Hopefully he can continue to build on those good things because those are worthwhile assets.”

The biggest thing is Williams needs to play. He’s supposed to run and jump and hit the boards and block shots. But he has to keep playing, since he missed so much playing time in college for his personal transgressions, develop his game and show he deserves to play.

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Darrell Armstrong is signed and was tired from his first practice with the Nets. You probably thought the energizer bunny doesn't get tired, but he is 39 and this was his first practice.

Some things we learned is that he doesn't work out over the summer; it takes him four days to get into shape and he thinks it will only take him two this time. And lastly, he took a seriously long shower Wednesday night (more information than I needed, too). He went in thinking Dallas and came out thinking Nets.

"I fell like this team is very close," Armstrong said. "This team is a contender. I feel this team has a lot of weapons at every position, so if I can bring my leadership off the bench while Jason's not on the floor it can help big."

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As much as people contend Armstrong will have a negative impact on Marcus Williams as in less playing time. It should have a positive impact in that Williams should pick up whatever Armstrong says and does.

Williams can see the do-it-all nature of Kidd and then the other side in Armstrong, a player who never stops hustling on both ends of the floor.

“Now he has it two ways,” Vince Carter said. “He can sit and watch J on the court as well as listen to Darrell on the bench.

“He’s going to help everybody. He’s just one of those guys. He’s always in your ear. He’s like a coach. I always remember seeing him when he was in Dallas He’d be on one knee yelling out, giving instruction. I used to tell him to shut up all the time. He’s good to have on the sideline.”

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Armstrong’s arrival looks like it could have an effect on Allan Houston. The Nets have no roster spots as of now.

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Jamaal Magloire rolled his right ankle and missed the end of practice. He said he's fine.

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Thanks for the comments and questions. Please keep them coming. I want this blog to be as interactive as possible. I will reply to questions and comment on some of your comments from time to time. Keep me posted on what you guys want here.

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Don't forget, the Nets will hold a free practice on Saturday at Fairleigh Dickinson U, starting at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are available at www.njnets.com or at the door.

Bring a non-perishable food item and get a ticket to a preseason game or the Oct. 31 opener against the Bulls. Go to www.njnets.com for more info.

And for those who asked, I will be there.

Comments

[NetBall]

Thanks Al for the blog.
Keep it coming!

[KJV]

Do you think Sean should get playing time during the season?

[SwampDragon]

Good insight on the value DA can bring to Marcus. I think that Rod & Ed knew that Marcus needed a veteran PG on the bench to help the mental development of Marcus during the games.

[ivanricov]

Thanks for the blog, good job. What are the chances of JM starting over Stiffins. I know they are all competing, but I really belive he should be starting over Collins simply talent-wise. New offense will probably need collins in there to execute, thats what he does, so i wont be shocked if collins does start this season. But I really want to see JM there.

[ivanricov]

Thanks for the blog, good job. What are the chances of JM starting over Stiffins. I know they are all competing, but I really belive he should be starting over Collins simply talent-wise. New offense will probably need collins in there to execute, thats what he does, so i wont be shocked if collins does start this season. But I really want to see JM there.