Deron Williams on joining Mavs: 'A fresh start is what I’m most excited about'

Since strong-arming his way out of Utah, point guard Deron Williams's career has never been the same.

The All-Star level production was still there when he began his Brooklyn Nets tenure, but that quickly faded two seasons ago. Williams - once in the conversation for the NBA's best point guard - is coming off two miserable campaigns in Brooklyn before the former five-time All-Star was waived in July.

Shortly thereafter, Williams landed a two-year, $10-million contract and a fresh start with the Dallas Mavericks, and the 31-year-old couldn't be happier about his new digs.

"A fresh start is what I’m most excited about," Williams told Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com. "You know, playing with this group of guys, I feel like we have a great group of guys here, and so (I’m looking forward to) just getting everybody healthy and getting on the court with them."

In signing with Dallas, Williams returns to the Western Conference where he once reigned supreme. Williams averaged 17.3 points and 8.5 assists across six seasons with the Utah Jazz, while leading them to four-straight postseason appearances.

Moving to the Mavericks also reunites Williams with Wesley Matthews, who was a rookie on the Jazz one season before Williams was traded.

"It’s going to be different (playing with Matthews)," Williams jokingly admitted. "You know, he was my rook then, so I was treating him a little different than I have to treat him now. But we’ve been friends and we’ve stayed in contact throughout the years, so I’m definitely excited about playing with him again."

With Williams on board, the goal for the Mavericks will be to make the postseason. That may prove difficult, as they're facing many challenges in the season ahead, but the roster features plenty of talent for head coach Rick Carlisle.

And if a fresh start can help Williams rediscover his form, the Mavericks would be most excited about that.