Brooklyn Nets interim coach P.J. Carlesimo has given his star floor general the ability to call his own plays -- at least most of the time.
“I think he’s got pretty close to free reign,” Carlesimo said after point guard Deron Williams continued his post All-Star break surge, scoring 21 points, dropping 13 assists and recording just two turnovers in Brooklyn’s 108-98 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night at Barclays Center.
“I try to tell P.J. at times he starts calling a lot of plays and we have to all turn and look and it kind of slows down the game and it slows down our rhythm and we don’t flow as well and guys get out of rhythm,” Williams said. “I have no problem with him calling plays, but at times, when we get it (off a rebounder or a stop), let us push it and I know how to spread the floor and get everybody involved.”
In his last 12 games, Williams is averaging 23.3 points and 7.9 assists and shooting 46.7 percent from the field, 47.1 percent from 3-point range.
“I just think that he’s in a good place now, physically, emotionally,” Carlesimo said. “He’s managing the game very, very well and being more vocal in practices, in timeouts and that’s a good thing.”
The one thing Williams has wanted to do of late is cut down on his turnovers. In his last two games, he’s had three of them -- compared to 26 assists.
“Let’s not talk about it. I just don’t wanna talk about it,” he said. “I get jinxed man. Last time we talked about it, it was bad.”
Williams nearly attempted his first dunk of the season, but with a clear path to the rim he finished a layup instead.
“Two points is two points man,” Williams said.
Williams was glad the Nets were able to rebound following their poor showing in Philadelphia on Monday night.
“It was a huge win for us,” he said.