Jay Williams to appear in first NBA game since motorcycle accident

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Oct 11, 2006 | by Associated Press

Three years after a motorcycle accident nearly ended his career, Jay Williams is getting a chance to show that he belongs back in the NBA.

Williams is expected to play in an NBA game for the first time since his accident when the New Jersey Nets face the Pacers in Indiana in a preseason game tonight.

"It's going to be a fun time," Williams said Tuesday after practicing with the Nets. "I really don't see the crowd. I am into the game. That's what I look forward to the most, the game and playing against new competition. I want to get my legs right. I am going to be ready for it."

Although he signed a contract with the Nets late last month, his chances of making New Jersey's roster are slim. The Nets already have the league-maximum 15 players under contract. They are looking to buy out Jeff McInnis' contract, but that still might not open a spot for Williams.

Jason Kidd is the Nets' starting point guard and Marcus Williams, the team's first-round draft pick, is expected to be his backup. Eddie House, a shooting guard who was signed as a free agent, also can play the point.

Jay Williams also has to show that he has regained the speed that made him the No. 2 pick overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2002.

Nets coach Lawrence Frank has been impressed so far.

"We weren't there when it happened, so we're seeing the spoils of the work, so to speak," Frank said. "I think it is tremendous how far he has come. It's another step in the process, and hopefully he can continue to perform at a high level and put himself in a position where he is playing in the regular season."

This won't be Williams' first game since the accident. He played in a charity event in Canada in July run by Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash.

A former national player of the year at Duke, Williams isn't worried about his odds of making the Nets' roster.

"It doesn't matter to me. The opportunity will come about," Williams said. "I just have to take advantage of it when I can."

JACKSON 'HAPPY TO BE ALIVE': Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson is "happy to be alive," after being punched in the mouth and hit by a car during a fight at a strip club in which police say he fired a gun in the air.

"I want to apologize to my teammates, to the fans and to this organization," Jackson said Tuesday after his first practice since the fight early Friday. "It was a very unfortunate incident. I definitely take responsibility for my action and everything I've done."

Team president Larry Bird said he was disappointed, especially because the Pacers are still trying to win their fans back after the brawl with Detroit Pistons fans two years ago. Jackson was suspended 30 games for his part in the brawl.

"This is a tough one, there's no question about it," Bird said. "We're not very happy with what happened, but we've got to move on and really concentrate on the season.

"It hurts. You care about this franchise and you're a part of it, it's got to hurt."

CLIPPERS SIGN MURRAY: The Clippers signed veteran free-agent forward Lamond Murray on Tuesday for a second stint with the team. Murray was originally drafted seventh overall by the Clippers out of California in 1994. As a rookie, Murray averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 31.6 minutes in 81 games. During his five years in Los Angeles, Murray averaged 11.6 points and 4.2 rebounds. The Clippers traded Murray to Cleveland for Derek Anderson and Johnny Newman in August 1999.