Nets’ Williams Under Pain’s Thumb

Jayson Williams, the league’s second-leading rebounder, will have surgery on his right thumb, perhaps as early as Monday, and will sit out at least eight weeks for the New Jersey Nets.

“It’s unbearable,” Williams said of the pain. “I can’t palm the ball. I’m still young. I’m only 28 years old and if I keep playing on it, I might not have the use of my thumb any longer.”