Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: 10 best Nets from 3rd NBA decade (1996-2006)

By Phil Watson

SAN ANTONIO - JUNE 6: Jason Kidd #5 and Richard Jefferson #24 of the New Jersey Nets walk to the bench in Game two of the 2003 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at SBC Center on June 6, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. The Nets won 87-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO - JUNE 6: Jason Kidd #5 and Richard Jefferson #24 of the New Jersey Nets walk to the bench in Game two of the 2003 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at SBC Center on June 6, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. The Nets won 87-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 13: Aaron Williams #34 of the New Jersey Nets goes to the basket against Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during Game five of the 2003 NBA Finals at Continental Airlines Arena on June 13, 2003 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Spurs won 93-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

147. . C-PF. Signed unrestricted free agent, Aug. 5, 2000. Aaron Williams. 10. player

Aaron Williams had already traveled a very long path through professional basketball when he signed as an unrestricted free agent with the New Jersey Nets in August 2000.

Undrafted out of Xavier in 1993, Williams rolled through Grand Rapids, Mich.; Salt Lake City; Milan, Italy; Milwaukee; Athens, Greece; two stops in Hartford, Conn; Denver, Vancouver, Seattle and Washington, D.C., before landing with the Nets.

Brooklyn Nets
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Brooklyn Nets

He became an important big off the bench as New Jersey evolved from also-ran to NBA contender.

In 2000-01, Williams had his best season with the Nets, averaging 10.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 28.5 minutes per game.

His role reduced the following season with the arrival of rookie center Jason Collins, but he was still an important rotational piece for the next three seasons before he was traded to the Toronto Raptors with center Alonzo Mourning, swingman Eric Williams and first-round picks in 2005 and 2006 in the deal that brought Vince Carter to East Rutherford.

In parts of five seasons with New Jersey, Williams averaged 7.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 20.7 minutes a night on .481/1-for-8/.746 shooting.

Williams wound up playing in 14 NBA seasons for 10 clubs before he was waived the final time by the Los Angeles Clippers in March 2008.

In three playoff campaigns with the Nets, Williams played in 50 games and averaged 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes a game on .485/0-for-1/.770 shooting.

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