Report: Deron Williams Out Indefinitely With Fractured Rib

After managing to play only 4 minutes in last night’s loss to the Celtics, Nets’ point guard Deron Williams will be out indefinitely, as he’s been diagnosed with a cartilage fracture in his 12th rib.

This news comes just days after Williams reportedly began to feel pain on the left side of his body, clutching it repeatedly during Sunday’s contest against the Miami Heat.

The injury only grew worse heading into Monday’s matchup against the Mavericks, as he was ruled out by the medical staff, and seemed to have re-aggravated the same area last night when he played against the Celtics.

Injuries have plagued Williams for the last 2 seasons, missing a combined 21 games due in large part to his troublesome ankles, and seemingly deteriorating 30-year-old body.

To take preventative measures, Head coach Lionel Hollins recently decided to subjugate the star point guard to a bench role, however, the move proved to be unsuccessful after news broke of his latest injury.

Earlier in the season, there was hope that the Nets would be able to trade Williams and the nearly $60 million remaining on his contract, but the Sacramento Kings made it clear they’d only be willing to make a deal if sophomore big man Mason Plumlee was involved.