Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS: Oklahoma Tornado Destruction
LOS ANGELES -- Deron Williams was sitting next to Carmelo Anthony during a meeting with the media during All-Star Weekend when the Jazz point guard cracked to Anthony, "Would you consider Utah?'' In what might have been the line of the weekend, without missing a beat, Anthony responded, "Would you consider Utah?''
Williams might be in a similar situation next season as Anthony has been since the start of training camp. Everybody wants to know about the future of Anthony, who has yet to sign an extension and can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer.
Williams can opt out of his deal and become a free agent in 2012. Watching Anthony from up close during All-Star Weekend, he hasn't been envious.
"I definitely don't want to go through that," Williams said after scoring five points and handing out seven assists as his West team beat the East 148-143 in Sunday night's All-Star Game at the Staples Center. "It's distracting. It can get to you. It's a pain."
But how can he avoid it next season? Williams was asked how he's going to handle his situation.
"You can think whatever you want in your head but you just got to say the same thing out loud," Williams said. "I'm not going to answer any questions about it until it's that time. When I say, 'I'm going to opt out' or (there's another resolution) ... Then I'm going to say it (when Williams knows something) because I haven't decided what I'm going to do."
But Williams didn't sound as if he fully will go with the strategy LeBron James used last season. James, then with Cleveland, said in November 2009 he wouldn't answer any more free-agency questions the rest of the season. He ended up opting out of his contract last summer and joining Miami.
"I'm sure it's going to be worse next year. You're going to get the questions. You just have to control yourself."
-- Deron Williams on free-agency questions "I've had to answer them," Williams said of free-agency questions. "I'm answering them right now, right? ... I'm sure it's going to be worse next year. You're going to get the questions. You just have to control yourself."
Williams, who was blamed by some for why Utah coach Jerry Sloan resigned earlier this month, already is hearing some speculation. CBSSports.com reported Saturday he wants eventually to end up in New York. Williams strongly denied that.
"It's not credible," Williams said. "You can't put (the reporter) on the witness stand. You've got nothing to talk about."
At least there might be one difference for what Williams, Orlando center Dwight Howard and New Orleans guard Chris Paul, who also can opt out of their contracts in the summer of 2012, might face next season. The craziness regarding Anthony has been upped due to the collective bargaining agreement expiring June 30, and nobody knowing what the rules will be under a new CBA.
The rules for the summer of 2012 should be known during next season. That is, if a lockout doesn't wipe out 2011-12.
Chris Tomasson | Twitter: @ChrisTomasson | E-mail Chris
Chris Tomasson covered the Denver Nuggets from 2002-09 for the defunct Rocky Mountain News. Prior to that, he was on the Cleveland Cavaliers beat for the Akron Beacon Journal and also has covered five Olympics, major college sports, the NFL and MLB. He has won numerous awards, including 10 in the past nine Pro Basketball Writers Association contests.
Chris Tomasson covered the Denver Nuggets from 2002-09 for the defunct Rocky Mountain News. Prior to that, he was on the Cleveland Cavaliers beat for the Akron Beacon Journal and also has covered five Olympics, major college sports, the NFL and MLB. He has won numerous awards, including 10 in the past nine Pro Basketball Writers Association contests.
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