Like an arsonist might, that is.

The Nets' prodigal son has played in three games for the 14ers, and he hasn't exactly distinguished himself. In fact, according to an NBA official who has consulted with scouts on the scene at the D-League Showcase in Orem, Utah, Williams has already left all the wrong impressions.

Playing small forward - as per his request when he arrived in Bob McKinnon Jr.'s program - Williams scored four points in his first game. But Colorado defeated Fort Wayne to improve to 10-3, so the 14ers could live with that.

But that's when the problems began.

In the second game, Williams was thrown out after getting hit with two quick technicals - with his team down by three points, no less - and the 14ers lost to Tulsa by seven.

And in his third game - a four-point loss against Austin at the Showcase - Williams fouled out in 28 minutes. Worst of all, with scores of scouts and GMs in attendance, he refused to join his teammates in the locker room at halftime - staying on the bench until there were three minutes left on the clock.

"He's getting what he wanted," the NBA official scout said, "and he's not exactly helping them out. I feel sorry for their team, because he's hurt them since he got there."

Williams is averaging 6.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks in 20.7 minutes.

Devin Harris took the night off last night to rest his sore right hamstring while his teammates defeated Memphis, 100-89, and the Nets don't know whether he'll be able to play tomorrow in Milwaukee, his hometown.

Harris told coach Lawrence Frank that there was residual discomfort from the steroid shot he received Monday, but that the pain was more tolerable yesterday. Even if he doesn't play against the Bucks, he'll have plenty of people cheering for him at the Bradley Center: Harris has already acquired 35 tickets, with more expected.

As for the Nets' first encounter with Richard Jefferson:

"I've seen him play a couple times - it's weird playing with him for so many years and developing a 1-2 punch on the wing, and now seeing him somewhere else," said Vince Carter, who shares text messages with his former teammate regularly. "We kind of know each other's moves, so it makes it fun."

It's also going to be a unique experience for Yi Jianlian, and he's looking forward to it. Yi came to the Nets, along with Bobby Simmons, in the trade that sent Jefferson to the Bucks.

"The people over there are pretty nice, they already know me. Walking on the street, they were really nice," Yi said. "It's a very funny game to play in. Last season, my rookie season, (I) played over there and then I was traded. At that time it was a surprise for me. Now I play against Milwaukee, at Milwaukee."