Nets Aren't Kidd-ing Around

The Brooklyn Nets aren't Kidd-ing around when it comes to their search for a new head coach to replace P.J. Carlesimo.  The Nets have signed Jason Kidd to a three-year deal...to become their head coach.  Fresh out of retirement, Kidd sought out the Nets head coaching job and his interview apparently went extremely well.  His only competition was Brian Shaw, who was interviewed earlier today, but the Nets went with Kidd.

It's only fitting that the one player that made the New Jersey Nets relevant for the first time will try and make the Brooklyn Nets relevant.  Kidd singlehandedly sent the Nets to the NBA Finals in his first season there in 2001-2002 and then would send them back to the Finals the following season.  The Nets had never even made the Conference Finals before Kidd arrived.  Kidd just wrapped up his Hall of Fame career retiring just a week ago after playing just one year of a three-year deal with the New York Knicks.  Kidd will take the short ride from Manhattan downtown to Brooklyn.  He will also make the transition from a jersey to a suit.  Is he ready to make the transition?

A 19-year NBA career, an NBA championship, two Olympic gold medals, second all-time in assists, second all-time in steals, third all-time in three-pointers made, and third all-time in triple doubles...I think it's safe to say he's ready.  The future Hall of Famer has as good a resume to become a head coach of anyone out there.  Kidd was a special player and truly amazing to watch.  His court vision and ability to make everyone around him better make him a perfect head coaching candidate.

Reports say Kidd was very well-prepared for the interview with Billy King and that he exhibited supreme confidence that would command the respect of his players.  It doesn't hurt that Kidd and Nets point guard Deron Williams have a great relationship.  Kidd would have to assemble an "All-Star cast" of assistant coaches to join him if this will be a success.  The Nets certainly have the talent on the roster with Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez as well as a solid supporting cast.  The Nets lost to the Bulls in the first round in seven games in their inaugural season in Brooklyn.

Kidd has seen it all and done it all in the NBA, so what makes anyone think he won't be a successful head coach?  Kidd was a leader on and off the court his entire career and it is fully expected he will do the same on the sidelines.  It will also be a great move in bringing in fans and having people excited about the Nets.  The face of the franchise will now man the sidelines and we all know that Mikhail Prokhorov is willing to spend the money for an NBA title.  Now the Nets will have their guy to get them there, just like he did in New Jersey.