Everyone knows that New Jersey Nets swingman Terrence Williams is an NBA-level player. Averaging 6.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in a reserve role, T-Will showed bright flashes last season of what he can do when given bigger minutes.

But some off-court issues — reportedly, T-Will being off the court more than he should have been due to being late for practice on a regular basis, along with some other stuff — resulted in the team recently suspending him for two games, then sending him down to the D-League, probably as a wakeup call more than anything else.

Well, Williams made quite a statement in his first minor league action.

Colin Stephenson of the Newark Star-Ledger reports:

Terrence Williams posted a triple-double in his first game with the D-League’s Springfield Armor on Thursday. Williams had 16 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in a 116-112 win over the Maine Red Claws.

Nets general manager Billy King watched Williams, and Johnson said he would speak to King about his impressions of Williams this afternoon. However, Johnson said, he did like what he saw in the boxscore from Williams.

“I thought that was fantastic,” Johnson said of Williams. “He played 40 minutes (39:46); triple-double, I think it’s awesome.”

I would guess that the Nets keep T-Will there for perhaps a few more games. Maybe a week or so, then bring him back and hope things go smoothly from now on.

The AP reports:

Charlotte Bobcats guard Stephen Jackson has sent a letter to fans apologizing for his ejection and ensuing one-game suspension for verbally abusing a referee.

Jackson’s letter was e-mailed to season-ticket holders Friday, hours before he was to play against New Jersey in his first game since his punishment.

Jackson says he let his teammates and coaches down, “but more importantly, I let our fans down.”

Stephen Jackson apology letter:

People do not like to admit they are wrong, but my actions in Milwaukee last week resulted in an ejection and ultimately an NBA suspension for the next game. As a result, I let myself, my teammates and my coaches down, but more importantly, I let our fans down. In my heart, I know I have to adjust my emotions on the floor and I vow to work harder than ever to not put myself or this team in that situation again.

I understand the rules that the NBA has established to govern players’ behavior on the floor and I respect the job the officials have each night. NBA players are bigger, faster and more athletic than ever, so being able to call a perfect game each night and see every foul is tough, and I have to take that into consideration.

I play this game with all the passion, love and respect of those who came before me. It’s a privilege to play professional basketball and I have been blessed with the talent and opportunity to play this game at a high level. In order for me to display those gifts, I have to be on the floor with my teammates. As a co-captain, I have to lead by example and I feel it’s my obligation and commitment to this team to carry out those responsibilities.

I’m back tonight as we take on the New Jersey Nets, and I hope to continue bringing you memorable moments on the court and not for my behavior.

- Source: Charlotte Observer

InsideHoops.com editor says: Smart move by S-Jax (or, more likely, the PR person who helped write the letter). Now he just has to keep playing hard, entertaining the fans and help the team as usual.

For the season, Jackson is averaging 18.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, on borderline acceptable 43.7% shooting, with an impressive 41.6% mark from three-point range.

The Atlanta Hawks today signed guard/forward Damien Wilkins to a contract, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not disclosed.

Wilkins, 30, played in two preseason games with Memphis this year, averaging 2.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg and 1.0 spg (.400 FG%). He has appeared in 390 regular season NBA games over six seasons with Seattle/Oklahoma City (2004-09) and Minnesota (2009-10), and owns career averages of 7.2  ppg, 2.7 rpg and 1.6 apg (.421 FG%, .333 3FG%, .807 FT%). Wilkins saw action in seven playoff games with Seattle in 2004-05, putting up 5.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.4 spg (.444 FG%).

The son of former NBA player Gerald Wilkins and nephew of Hawks Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins, he played his first two years of college basketball at North Carolina State (1999-2001), before transferring to Georgia for his final two campaigns (2002-04).

Damien Lamont Wilkins was born January 11, 1980 in Washington, North Carolina. He will wear uniform no. 3.

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