It appears to be just a matter of time before the Brooklyn Nets announce that newly retired NBA player Jason Kidd will be the new head coach of the franchise. After parting ways with two coaches during the 2012-13 season, Kidd is to be the new successor with a reported three-year deal in the works.
Kidd emerged as the frontrunner for the Nets coaching vacancy after meeting with general manager Billy King and successfully pitching himself for the job. The Nets did the due diligence by also interviewing Brian Shaw, but are now reportedly in negotiations with Kidd.
Kidd is fresh off retirement from 19 seasons in the NBA. He is no stranger to the Nets franchise as he helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 2002 when they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers. At 40-years old, he called it a career and believes coaching is the next best move.
Shaw was the other leading candidate for the job and the Nets do intend on bringing him in for an interview on Wednesday, but appear to be content with Kidd. He has the upper hand with his star power and relationship with the franchise and several teammates.
Kidd presented a very convincing plan to the Nets' organization. He intends to bring in former Nets coach Lawrence Frank to serve as the staff's top assistant. By adding Frank and a few other top assistants, Kidd could bring together a very successful group to lead Brooklyn. Frank was fired after two seasons with the Detroit Pistons and is a big fan of Kidd.
"I think Jason could become a great coach. Think about his training: 19 years, an NBA championship, two Olympic gold medals...He's one of the smartest players to ever play the game, a great leader who has a great presence. I think Jason could be a great head coach," Frank said.
A decision from Brooklyn is expected within the week. Owner Mikhail Prokhorov will talk with Shaw before making a formal announcement. Sources close to Shaw say he is holding out for the Los Angeles Clippers job and has already interviewed about that vacancy.
Kidd is second all-time in NBA history in career assists and steals. If he gets the Brooklyn job, it will be his first coaching job in his career.