Williams knows the realities for ex-mates
By Tim Buckley
Deseret Morning News
Sunday, October 8 2006
BOISE — Second-round draft choice Dee Brown is embroiled in an intriguing training-camp battle with undrafted Brian Chase for the Jazz's No. 3 point guard job. Indications after a week's worth of camp at Boise State University suggest the Jazz are leaning toward keeping undrafted forward Roger Powell Jr., whose contract is partially guaranteed, for at least the early part of the regular season.
No one can be certain what the fate of Brown or Powell will be, though, until November arrives. Until then, Jazz starting point Deron Williams can only wonder if both of his former University of Illinois teammates will make the roster — and try not to let the matter weigh on his mind while management and coaches contemplate tough calls.
"He knows," Jazz basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor said, "that we've got to have the best team on the floor, and we've got to do what we feel is best, and he's got to go play, and we've got to make decisions."
Knowing, however, doesn't necessarily make acceptance easier.
"Of course it's gonna be hard, because I want both of those guys to be on the team. It would be hard if one of 'em got cut," said Williams, the 2005 NBA Draft's No. 3 overall selection. "But, at the same time, I know it's a business. I know I have no control over it, and whatever decisions they make I have to live with. I can't have any hard feelings toward them. And they're not gonna keep somebody just because of me."
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