As the Brooklyn Nets continue on in their head coaching search, it would appear that recently retired guard Jason Kidd is now the leading candidate for the position.
The New York Post has reported that there's a strong interest from both sides in the position, and multiple sources insist that the consensus is that the Nets are strongly leading toward the future Hall of Famer, after meeting with GM Billy King yesterday to pitch his position.
It was a "good meeting," according to someone close to the situation.
"Jason really believes he is ready for the next step, to be a head coach," another person familiar with Kidd's thinking said. "He wants it."
The Nets have long been intrigued with the thought of making a star hire, and with Kidd's history with the franchise and standing with the league, it's understandable why he would be such an attractive candidate.
Those who support Kidd look to the success of Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson, who did an outstanding job without prior coaching experience. Jackson helped lead the Warriors to their second playoff appearance in 19 seasons and advanced to the second round.
"It takes somebody who could care less what the critics say to pull the trigger on a guy who's never been an assistant coach," Jackson said earlier this season. "It's easier to go with a guy that has coached and even failed or has been an assistant because even if it doesn't look good, you don't look bad. So I'm extremely thankful I had an owner and a front office that was willing to take a chance on me."
Jackson had hopes that his success will eventually help other former players-like Kidd-overcome the obstacle of having no prior coaching experience.
"I knew how important it would be not just for me but for former players that would one day have an opportunity to be a coach," Jackson said. "I knew it could hurt or help them."
Kidd is one of the best point guards in NBA history and is currently in competition with Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who they plan to meet on Wednesday.
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