Whether Marcus Williams sees playing time this season with the Nets is up to the UConn rookie, who is off to a decent start in training camp.

But it's also up to the coach. Will Lawrence Frank be willing to rely on a first-year point guard, or - as his reputation has been - would he be more comfortable with a veteran?

"I like guys who produce," Frank said yesterday after the Nets' third day of practice. "Every coach has a rap of, 'He doesn't want to play rookies.' You play the guys who are going to help you win. We're in the business of results.

"The bottom line is whoever is going to produce, plays. Dwyane Wade played as a rookie. LeBron (James) played as a rookie. Then there are rookies who didn't play. Richard (Jefferson) is a hell of a player, but he didn't start as a rookie. Everyone is different. The bottom line is the best guys play."