I know NBA Commissioner David Stern has always wanted to increase the NBA's presence around the world. I can't believe, though, that what New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams is reportedly ready to do is what Stern had in mind.
Earlier today it was reported that Williams has agreed to play in Turkey if the NBA Lockout impacts the 2011-2012 NBA season -- which many experts believe it will. ESPN reported that Williams has signed a one-year, $5 million deal to play for Besiktas.
This news cannot be thrilling to Nets coach Avery Johnson or team owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The team is hoping that Williams, who can be a free agent after what everyone hopes will be the upcoming 2011-2012 season, will be the cornerstone of the franchise when the Nets move to Brooklyn for 2012-2013 season.
-- SBNation.com has much more on the Williams story, including insurance issues and discussion of whether other NBA stars will follow Williams' lead