Aaron Williams says the New Jersey Nets of that period had been extra harmful than individuals bear in mind, and that Jason Kidd modified the group virtually instantly.
“I believed we had been fairly good,” Williams informed Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “We had a superb younger nucleus blended with some strong veterans,” including that if the group had stayed collectively longer, “we’d’ve been alright.”
When Kidd arrived, Williams mentioned the lesson got here quick. “You see the highlights and the flamboyant passes on TV, however we realized throughout the first couple of days that he was a frontrunner on protection,” he mentioned.
Williams mentioned Kidd’s worth went past the flashy assists that made him well-known. “Defensive depth begins with the purpose guard,” Williams mentioned, noting that what stood out was “the grind on a spotlight reel” that followers by no means noticed.
That period additionally put Williams nose to nose with Shaquille O’Neal in back-to-back Finals, and he didn’t soften his evaluation. “I’ll inform you what—it wasn’t boring for us!” he mentioned with fun.
“The primary query I get requested is who the hardest particular person I ever needed to guard was, and it’s not even shut. It’s Shaq,” Williams mentioned. “For somebody to be that giant, that expert, and to grasp leverage and physique positioning like he did… the one factor he couldn’t do was shoot free throws.”
He mentioned the problem was even worse due to the remainder of that Lakers machine. “You throw in Kobe? It didn’t get any simpler,” Williams mentioned. “It’s a lot simpler mentioned than accomplished to defend somebody of his stature when you’ve gotten Kobe scoring from in all places and shooters like Derek Fisher and Rick Fox spaced out so you’ll be able to’t assist off them.”
Williams additionally drew a direct line between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. “Kobe is the closest factor you may get to being Michael Jordan with out really being Michael Jordan,” he mentioned. “The perspective, the aggressiveness, the work ethic—it’s the whole package deal.”
Wanting again on the 2003 Finals towards San Antonio, Williams mentioned that collection felt extra playable with out Shaq on the ground. “Anytime Shaq isn’t on the ground, it’s a greater matchup!” he mentioned. Nonetheless, he gave credit score the place it was due: “Popovich is a superb coach and Tim Duncan simply did no matter was essential to get the win.”
Williams additionally praised Kidd’s passing contact, saying the important thing was easy. “Simply at all times, ALWAYS count on the cross to return to you,” he mentioned. “There’s NO selfishness to him.”
For Williams, the outdated Nets’ near-miss stays one of many league’s forgotten what-ifs. “We had been near being actually good,” he mentioned, “however I simply don’t suppose they gave that group sufficient time.”
