Brooklyn Nets: Deron Williams In Walking Boot

Brooklyn Nets All-Star point guard Deron Williams is currently in a walking boot. The three-time All-Star has a sprained right ankle and a bone bruise, according to team sources. Williams reportedly suffered the injury while privately working out in Utah. The walking boot is for precautionary reasons, but the 29-year-old has had a recent injury history, so this may be a cause for concern.

Williams has had ankle issues for more than a year now. The first reported ankle problems came around Olympic time in 2012 when the former Illinois standout played through an ankle inflammation for Team USA. According to USA Basketball president Jerry Colangelo, Williams was out of shape and overweight at the start of the Olympic season–when he first had ankle problems. The ankle problems then seemed to carry over to the NBA season as he struggled during the first half of 2012-13.

During All-Star weekend, Williams received a set of cortisone shots for both his ankles. Additionally he received platelet-rich plasma therapy treatment and did a three-day juice cleanse. The rehab work and rest seemed to pay off, as he returned to form in the second half. Williams averaged 22.9 points and eight assists per game over the final 28 games to help lead the Brooklyn Nets back into the playoffs.

Williams is entering the second year of a five-year, $98 million contract he signed last summer. After a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics, Williams seems to be surrounded by All-Star talent. It seems like Williams will be entering the 2013-14 season with his strongest supporting cast ever–making many people believe this is a “put up or shut up” season for the former All-American point guard.

The Nets begin training camp on Oct. 1 at Duke University. Williams should be ready for training camp as he helps lead Brooklyn into the NBA title race.

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