Wrote Hollinger, in part: "Williams has a good chance of passing Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups in the point guard hierarchy given his steady improvement; even last year, his numbers were much stronger after the break than before, including 12.0 assists per game in the second half. And while Carlos Boozer busies himself with the vagaries of the South Florida real estate market, Williams will spend a full year as Utah's unquestioned go-to guy."

Hollinger on Brewer: "If I had to vote one guy as the league's most underrated player, it's him. ... With his playing time likely to increase along with his prominence on a key Western contender, he may not stay underrated for long."

INJURY UPDATE: Guard Brevin Knight (sprained thumb), center Jarron Collins (severe triceps tendinitis) and forward Matt Harpring (ankle rehab) all did not practice Monday.

FOOD DRIVE: Radio station KFNZ 1320-AM and the Jazz will host a collection drive for the Utah Food Bank from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. Wednesday at Karl Malone Toyota, 11,453 S. Lone Peak Parkway in Draper. Each bag of non-perishable food donated will be rewarded with one complimentary ticket to Thursday's exhibition game against the Trail Blazers, with a limit of six bags per person.

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E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com