Deron Williams on regained confidence: 'I feel like people can't guard me'

With his ankles more or less healthy and his confidence coming back, Deron Williams is channeling Brooklyn's own Jay Z in asking: Who Gon Stop Me?

After dominating the New York Knicks in a 110-99 victory Friday, the Brooklyn Nets point guard spoke about just how good he feels five games into the season. In short, the only thing standing in his way is his health.

"I'm getting that confidence back where I step on the court and I feel like people can't guard me," Williams said following the win. "I had some explosive moves where I haven't been able to do that in a long time."

Williams isn't wrong in touting his hot start. He's looked like the 2007-2012 version of himself, who made four consecutive All-Star teams and averaged 19.5 points and 10.2 assists. Through five games, he's averaging 19.8 and seven, respectively, while posting a 20.5 player efficiency rating that, if sustained, would be his best since 2010-11.

In the succinct words of The Brooklyn Game, Williams is back.

"Before my injuries, I didn't feel like anybody could stop me one-on-one," Williams said. "I just feel like if you put one person on me, it's gonna be hard to stop me, and I'm getting back to that."

If Williams can sustain this early level of play and avoid any issues with his chronically injured ankles, the ceiling for the 2014-15 Nets will rise significantly. 

They've started the year 3-2 with a pair of losses they probably regret, and their offense is still coming together, ranking 11th when adjusted for opponent quality. Looking at the roster, though, this Nets squad with an All-Star-level Williams could be a contender for home court in the first round.