With all their superstar talent, it still seemed like the Brooklyn Nets were an incomplete team. What seemed like a mismatched team left head coach PJ Carlesimo trying to put puzzle pieces together that did not fit. Although Joe Johnson and Deron Williams are seemingly veterans, having frequented the NBA playoffs on their previous respective teams, the Brooklyn Nets could not deliver. They needed a veteran with a voice to guide them in the correct direction. While many assumed that would be in the form of a player, it may be the Nets newest coach. The Brooklyn Nets are closing in on naming former Nets point guard Jason Kidd as their head coach. While this may come as quite a surprise for many, it is just the right move for this team.
Kidd is a Nets legend. He is largely regarded as one of the greatest in the franchise’s history and is highly respected around the league. He is considered a player with high basketball knowledge and understanding of the game. While age has stifled his athletic ability, as seen in the playoffs with the New York Knicks, it has always been clear that Kidd has been a “player coach”.
A player coach is someone who can make great decisions in a game without the coach’s assistance. Kidd has done everything from make great passes to sink clutch buckets. Kidd took a struggling franchise and turned it into Eastern Conference Champions. While he may not have won an NBA Championship until he went to Dallas, that still does not take away from the level of talent that he brought to New Jersey.
With the likes of average coaches, Jason Kidd has excelled due to his dedication to getting better at the sport. He took the New Jersey Nets to back to back NBA Finals appearances, and since he has been gone, the team has lost its excitement. With Kidd back, fans will have a familiar face to put their faith in in leading their team in the playoffs. He can find the coaching experience in assistant coaches as he will bring everything he has learned over his 19 year career.
I love Jason Kidd and think he was one of the Best Point Guards to play the game, but I think he is in over his head going into head coaching right after he retires. At least be an assistant for a few years or go to the media position a bit. Most players that become coaches right after they were players don’t do well. I like the players he will be coaching especially Devon Williams, but will he have the ability to manage egos on the team and out coach the likes of a Frank Vogel, Erik Spoelstra, and Tom Thibodeau? I don’t know but I guess we will all see.