This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Jazz point guard Deron Williams has been playing off the ball more this year than in any of his previous five seasons.He is often on the floor at the same time as Earl Watson (or Ronnie Price) and has been giving the Jazz's offense a lift by running the baseline, coming off screens or posting up on the low block. Does Williams enjoy the role?"I like it," he said. "I like it a lot. It allows me to come off screens and I'm one of the best shooters we have coming off screens. And I don't have to create for myself every time. I can get some good rhythm shots."Asked if he's always been fine when coach Jerry Sloan moves him to shooting guard, Williams laughed and said, "No, but it's a little different this year."Referring to departed Carlos Boozer and injured Memo Okur, Williams explained, "Booz is gone and Memo has been out, so I know I have to score a little bit more."So far this season, Williams averages 23 points a game on 47.8 shooting. His previous career-high is 19.4.In the Jazz's last three games, he averages 32 points on 29 of 55 shooting, including 10 of 19 from the three-point line.— Steve Luhm