On Sunday, Jay Williams arrived early to talk with coach Bill Cartwright.
Their discussion centered on a published report that quoted Williams’ parents as saying their son didn’t feel he could approach Cartwright to discuss his frustrations and had contemplated asking to be traded.
Both Cartwright and Williams were caught off guard, but with his typical bluntness, Cartwright offered his take on the issue.
“Jay is a man,” Cartwright said. “When you come into this league, you claim certain responsibilities that are yours. I know that he wants to do that. And I’m certain that if given time and people leave him alone to be his own person, he’ll be able to do that. But he needs time to learn how to be a good player in this league.”
Williams is smart enough to know the issue’s potentially negative ramifications, which is why he met with Cartwright.
“It’s a frustrating season. I’ve lost more games in my life than I have ever before. That doesn’t mean I think [Cart-wright’s] not receptive to what we’re trying to do.
“We’re trying to win. I want to win here. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
