We're not in Dodgerland any more, Part X: Nets guard Williams says "I don't really feel so much like a New Yorker"

The Brooklyn Game on 9/2/14 posted Deron Williams talks adjusting to New York, his foundation in Resident Magazine cover story:

Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams is the cover model on this month's Resident Magazine, self-described as the "Monthly magazine for the affluent and culturally savvy Manhattanite." In a feature by Rory Winston, Williams describes his adjustment to New York City life in his new TriBeCa home, as well as his commitment to Autism Speaks, the autism awareness foundation that has close ties to Williams and his family. Williams's son D.J. was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old.

As it happens, Williams may be a Manhattanite and "culturally savvy"--and he seems like a good family man with significant charitable commitments--but he's not that comfortable in New York City, much less Brooklyn.

That's not to say that a younger, single Brooklyn Net, who didn't grow up in Texas and/or have the bulk of his career in Utah, might not be more comfortable in the city and even in Brooklyn. (When the first player rents an apartment in Brooklyn, after the practice facility is finished, expect huge hype.)

It's just that, as has been said many times before but bears repeating, we're not in Dodgerland any more, when the players lived in neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and took the trolley to games.

Williams, on being a New Yorker:

I’m not going to lie. I don’t really feel so much like a New Yorker. I grew up in an apartment in Texas where you could send your kids outside like ‘yeah, go play in the sun.’ Here it’s more challenging. The process of getting them into school is a nightmare. Even private schools where you pay are an ordeal. In Utah, you just send your kids to the first public school in the area because they’re all great. Truth is, we enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle and going back to Utah every summer. It’s a relief to take that timeout. No traffic. No crowds. My daughters still have their friends there. There’s a big backyard. They go to the pool; the playground and they jump on the trampoline. Kids running wild and free here (in New York)…? I don’t think so.

A commenter suggested Williams didn't explore his options:

Who does this guy talk to? Nobody bothered to tell him there's plenty of areas outside of NYC that are much slower & less crowded? I'm born & raised in NY & can think of about 10 different areas that are outside of the city & much more relaxed. Why would you live in the city if you're not comfortable there? Move to L.I. or Westchester or NJ. Ft. Lee, Edgewater, Alpine, Closter, the list goes on. Some athletes are not built (mentally) to play & succeed in NY, D-Will may just be one of them.