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NBA Stock Exchange: Momentum Swings In Both Directions

By Adam McGee

Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) makes a game winning three point shot during the second overtime against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 117-116 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) makes a game winning three point shot during the second overtime against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 117-116 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle sets the play with guard Deron Williams (8) during the game against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 117-116 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle sets the play with guard Deron Williams (8) during the game against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 117-116 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Buy: Deron Williams Is Alive

Deron Williams wasn’t supposed to have anything left in the tank. The star point guard who terrorized defenders during his time with the Utah Jazz never quite looked the same as a Net. A combination of injuries and in all likelihood a lack of motivation made Williams look like a shadow of the player he once was.

Many were set to conclude that Williams’ career was over when he was waived by a Brooklyn Nets team who were eager to cut salary, but a change of scenery has seen a revived Deron Williams take to the floor in Dallas.

Rick Carlisle may not have been able to mesh with Rajon Rondo or Darren Collison to bring the best out in their games, but it’s working out nicely with Deron Williams as the team’s leader on the floor.

Per NBA Stats, Williams is currently posting a rare net rating of 0.0, meaning that his impact on the Mavericks per 100 possessions is completely neutral. The truth is that considering the franchise’s recent point guard history, having somebody who doesn’t hurt them is a win.

Williams’ buzzer-beater to sink the Kings in double overtime grabbed the spotlight for him this week, and will likely be one of the moments most readily associated with him this season. In reality, his job is no longer about being front and center, and it’ll be his work from the background that ultimately shapes Dallas’ season.

Next: The Rare Taste Of Success