Second chances are rare, and point guard Mo Williams sees one within reach. As an All-Star in 2009, he helped the Cavs post a 66-win season. But he and the team came up short of a championship. Now Williams is back and excited about another shot at glory. With Kyrie Irving (who will miss some of the season recovering from a fractured kneecap) still developing into one of the league's best guards, the veteran Williams may prove to be a vital piece in this year's title hopes.
Kardiac Event: Even the 12-year NBA vet couldn't watch as LeBron James and the team lost to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. "When it gets close, I always change the channel," he admits. "It's too stressful, too emotional for me." Williams adds watching Cleveland come so close only to lose again played a big part in why he signed with the team.
Point Guards: While he and Irving both posted 50-plus-point games last year (Irving did it twice), Williams is awed by what Irving can do — dribbling, passing and scoring. "There's things he can see on the court, or things that he does, that I can learn from — that I've never done in my life," Williams says. "It's going to be fun this year."
Back Nine: Williams, an avid golfer, hasn't played much in the last two years. But he's ready to shake off the rust and give teammate J.R. Smith a run for the team's best golfer. "I'll give him some love," Williams says. "He's a better golfer than me today."
Rear View: Williams admits that despite the accolades from his first stint with the Cavs, a title would carry more personal significance now. "I see the end," Williams says of his career. "I don't know when it's going to be, but I know it's near. Back then [in 2009], I didn't see it."
