Williams Announces Retirement

Jayson Williams, a star rebounder whose career with the New Jersey Nets was undercut by injuries, retired Wednesday.

The decision by the quick-witted, 32-year-old center came 14 months after he broke his right leg and tore up his knee in a collision with a teammate.

“Jayson did everything he possibly could in rehabbing and trying to get well so he could play,” Nets president Rod Thorn said during a conference call. “It just hasn’t worked out. He has done everything he possibly could.”

Thorn said Williams was in Arizona for an undisclosed reason and the Nets had his approval to make the announcement.

“We are very saddened by it because not only was Jayson a terrific basketball player but he also brought the intensity and brought a work ethic to the game as well as a rebounding skill that I think every team needs,” Thorn said. “Jayson has so many intangibles that you cannot replace.”

In a statement released by the club, Williams said:

“This has been a hard choice for me. I loved playing basketball, I loved being a Net and I loved the fans in New Jersey.

“I believe strongly in our ownership’s commitment to bringing our team up to championship quality - and I wanted very much to be a part of that effort. But I know from the pain in my knee and what my physicians have told me that my injuries won’t allow me to return.”

Williams has not played since the collision with Stephon Marbury in a game against Atlanta on April 1, 1999.

He attempted a comeback late last season but he broke his left foot while landing on the foot of rookie teammate Evan Eschmeyer during practice.

Lakers waive A.C. Green

A.C. Green, the NBA ironman who won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s and returned to earn another this year, was waived Wednesday.

Green, 36, who ran his league record for consecutive games to 1,133 this season, averaged 5.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 23-1/2 minutes. In the playoffs, he averaged 3.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.

“A.C. Green played an important role in helping us win the NBA championship and has obviously meant a lot to this franchise over the years,” Lakers executive vice president Jerry West said.