Jason Kidd has been a long-time presence in the NBA. After ending an extremely successful 19-year career in the league, the veteran is deciding what his next move will be. He could easily make a career in broadcasting like so many retired players do, or he could try and saddle in with a team's front office. While all of that is certainly an option, Kidd is eying something else. He is considering the head coaching job with the Brooklyn Nets.
Kidd met with the Nets general manager Billy King in an effort to pitch himself as a potential head coach from Brooklyn. The meeting was originally intended on being an open discussion about employment options, but sources reported to ESPN.com that Kidd used the opportunity to convince King he is ready to make the jump into coaching.
The Nets reportedly are listening with open ears and have added Kidd to the list of candidates they are looking at to replace P.J. Carlesimo. If the Nets was someone that is familiar with the team than Kidd is the guy. During his stint with the franchise when they were in New Jersey, he led the team to two NBA finals appearances. He is extremely close with current Nets guard, Deron Williams and would likely get an endorsement from the star. While he has no coaching experience, the Nets could get a case of veteran assistants to help.
Kidd has gotten praise for his basketball mind. San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised Kidd for his "intuitive skills." He believes the newly retired player could be really good as a head coach.
"He certainly has the intuitive skills to know what's going on out there. Obviously, he would be able to have relationships with the players that he's had with his coaches throughout. So if that's what he wants to do, and that's who want to hire, I think he's got an opportunity and a possibility to be really, really good at it," Popovich said.
The Nets are currently looking towards Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw as their leading candidate for the vacant position. However, Kidd appears to be on good terms with the front office which could help his chances. Sources report that he is prepared to make the immediate jump from retired to coach. Normally, players start out as assistants before getting promoted to head coach. With Kidd's knowledge, he could bypass that and be the next top guy in Brooklyn.
