Summer League in NBA is supposed to have a more relaxed feel. Things are supposed to be calm with a chance for rookies to get their first taste of professional basketball action. For Brooklyn Nets head coach Jason Kidd, Summer League is his first taste at coaching. In his debut game for Brooklyn, the former point guard proved he is taking this serious, earning a technical foul in his debut game.
Brooklyn was down four with 2:33 left in the game, when Kidd called for a foul on Andre Drummond. Slightly intense for Summer League action. The referee did not see the original foul, frustrating Kidd. The head coach jumped out past half court to let the official know he missed a call and proceeded to a get a technical in the process.
"It happens," Kidd said. "I learned quickly where the coaching box is. I've seen some coaches on the other end of the floor, so I can't follow their lead. This is training ground for every one-officials, coaches, players. We're all trying to get better."
Kidd is in his first coaching job after ending a 21 year career in the NBA. He admitted having butterflies heading into his first game as a coach and not as a player. Hired just a week after announcing his retirement from the league, becoming a head coach is an entirely different ball game than being a player and Kidd noted a few nerves surrounding his debut.
"Hey, I had nerves when I was a player in every game," Kidd said. "Someone told me, if you don't get nervous, you don't care. So yeah, I was nervous because I care, and I want to do the right thing and put guys in position to be successful, offensively and defensively.
Kidd is entering a potentially big year for the Brooklyn Nets. The team made a blockbuster trade in the offseason, acquiring Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to help in a push for an NBA championship. Kidd played a key role in the trade going down with the Boston Celtics. The head coach called Garnett multiple times to discuss playing in Brooklyn and gauging his interest level. Pairing those two next to point guard Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez could prove successful for the Nets.
As Kidd gets his first experience in coaching with a lineup filled with rookies, he will soon be preparing to coach filled with potential Hall of Fame talent. Kidd is not allowed to comment on any of the NBA transactions until the league's moratorium ends on July 10, but either way, he still expects a lot, not matter who is playing.
"There's only one name and that's the Nets."