When the Nets went to Russia and China in the preseason, they were looking forward to bonding, developing chemistry and getting better acquainted with coach Avery Johnson and his system.

The Nets are hoping for some of the same things in London this week as they try to incorporate Deron Williams into Johnson’s system.

Unfortunately for the Nets, they don’t have this week plus another two of camp and exhibition games to build something. They have to do it on the fly, and with Williams probably limited to no practices on the trip.

The way the schedule has worked out, the Nets have had three games, two shootarounds and no practices since Williams flew to New Jersey last week after his blockbuster acquisition from Utah. The Nets are expected to have two practices and at least one shootaround in London, where they play back-to-back games against Toronto starting Friday. But Williams is doubtful for the practices due to injuries in both hands and probably will try to play in both games.

Johnson tried to simplify things for Williams by putting many of Utah’s plays in the Nets’ offense to make him comfortable. Beyond that, there's not much more Johnson can do, especially since it seems as if Williams' strained right wright is going to be an ongoing issue that will cause him to miss many practices going forward.

Williams, then, will have to develop familiarity with his teammates in games, though he’s already done a terrific job of creating shots for them and finding them. He had 47 assists in his first three games and definitely should have had well over 50 when you consider how many open shots, easy shots and layups the Nets have missed on Williams’ dishes.

Here are three things the Nets hope to accomplish on this trip:

1. Sales pitch to Williams: Nets’ bosses, including owner Mikhail Prokhorov, general manager Billy King, Johnson and CEO Brett Yormark will be in London, and at some point(s), they will try to tell Williams all the exciting things they are planning for their next season and the following season when they open their new Brooklyn arena. Everything centers on Williams, including putting players around him and using him to recruit other players.

2. Globalizing the Nets: Part of Prokhorov’s plan is to make the Nets a global team, and this London trip is another step in that direction. This the first time the NBA has held regular-season games in Europe, and the Nets love that they’re a part of the inaugural celebration. A good showing, especially by Williams, will help that. The Nets already have a presence and somewhat of a fan base in Russia because of Prokhorov. London is a natural fit for them as well with Barclays owning the naming rights to the Nets’ new arena in Brooklyn.

3. Improve and build chemistry on both ends: With the Nets, it always seems that energy and execution are their weaknesses. Energy hasn’t been the issue since Williams’ arrival. But despite Williams’ absurd numbers, the Nets still have a way to go offensively, and they continue to make defensive mistakes.

They were much better in Monday’s loss to the Suns than in the first two games with Williams, but still needed Anthony Morrow to score nine points in 19.3 seconds – three coming on three free throws after a surprising foul by Steve Nash – just to force overtime. Maybe the Nets would have won in regulation if Williams didn’t miss five crucial minutes in the fourth.

Still, the Nets had several costly defensive lapses, and Williams had some turnovers because he’s still picking up his teammates' tendencies.

Eventually, the Nets will learn how. Johnson wants them to defend situations. Channing Frye couldn't have been that open last night

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Follow me on Twitter: @Al_Iannazzone

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Al Iannazzone covers the Nets for The Record (Bergen County, N.J.)