Posts tagged ‘Jason Kidd’

Evan Roberts from WFAN (660 AM New York), the only legitimate Nets supporter in the local media, will appear on NJNetscast later this week. If you have a question for Evan, e-mail hosts@njnetscast.com, and we’ll pick a good one to ask. Tune in to hear Evan and I discuss the Nets free-agent list, the on-going arena issues, take inventory of the Kidd trade with it finally in the rear view mirror, and delve into the trade market.

As Dallas fans watched Chris Paul torch Jason Kidd for 33.5 points and 13.5 points in the first two games of its first round series with New Orleans,  both losses, they had to wonder if the Kidd trade was worth it. Would things be different if Devin Harris was still around? Lo and behold, the former Mav showed up on Friday night, unfortunately for Mark Cuban he was in civvies in the front row.

Interviewed by ESPN during the game, the Nets point guard stated he came to the game to support good friend Josh Howard, who had a rough week, struggling in both losses to the Hornets before admitting to smoking marijuana during the offseason on Michael Irvin’s Dallas radio show. Harris did not directly comment on Howard’s remarks, instead saying that Howard typically says what is on his mind. ]

Nonetheless, rare to see a current player at a game supporting his former team. Makes you wonder if Harris wishes he still donned the blue and white in Big D?

This year’s NBA playoffs has it all – except the Knicks. Los Angeles and Boston at the forefront, All-Stars galore, to go along with the most competitive conference in league history. Lakers-Celtics is the NBA’s dream matchup, David Stern TV ratings and dollar signs float through his head just thinking about it. Unfortunately for the Commissioner, I envision a repeat of 1988, not 1986. Enough hype, let’s get it on.

Eastern Conference

36 win teams do not belong in the playoffs. They don’t deserve to collect a playoff share, or even get the chance to pull an upset. Boston dominated the NBA - not just the East, proving it with a 22-5 mark vs. Western Conference foes. KG and company swept Atlanta in the season series, expect much of the same in round one – Celts in 4.

Rarely do 59-win teams fly under the radar, especially one with five consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a chip on their shoulder after losing to an inferior team last season. Welcome to the Detroit Pistons world. Ripe with a rare mix of veteran leadership, playoff experience, and young energy off the bench, this Pistons team goes deeper than years past, though questions remain on how youngsters Rodney Stuckey, Amir Johnson, Aaron Afflalo, and Jason Maxiell will handle the playoff intensity. Philadelphia had a phenomenal season, outliving expectations. But Mo Cheeks maximized what he could from this team, a few late season losses cost them the sixth seed. Detroit’s advantage in playoff experience, and lock down defense should make this a quick exit for the surprising 76er’s, not a series with the intensity to test those Piston youngsters – Detroit in 5.

Dwight Howard arrived this season. No longer the next big thing, Howard is an almost automatic double-double every time he steps foot on the court, yet the key to Orlando’s ascension to 50 wins was Hedo Turkoglu. A potential Most Improved Player Candidate, the 28-year old from Turkey increased his scoring by over 6 points, and both assists and rebounds by more than 1.5 per game. Off-season acquisition Rashard Lewis teams up with Howard and Turkoglu to form arguably the best frontcourt in the league, one that can beat you from inside and out. Point guard remains Orlando’s weakness, playing right into the strength of the disappointing Toronto Raptors, with a two-headed monster at point that most teams would kill for, TJ Ford and Jose Calderon. After emerging to win the Atlantic last season, Toronto regressed, falling apart when an injury forced Chris Bosh out of action. Bosh vs. Howard is a great matchup of contrasting styles, power and finesse, but the Raptors surrounding cast does not play tough and does not match up with Orlando – Magic in 6.

There are some things you don’t do, then just shake your head when someone does it. DeShawn Stevenson went there. He called out Lebron James. Mind you, this is not Kobe or Duncan making statements, championship rings to back them up, this is DeShawn Stevenson. Calling the NBA scoring champion who carried his team to the NBA finals overrated, a brainfreeze, calling the rest of the Cavs underachievers though, on the money. If Stevenson didn’t light the flame, Washington enters the series playing much better than Cleveland, and they add Gilbert Arenas to a team that learned to play without him. Now, the Wizards must beware of the King taking out his frustration and single-handedly winning this series. Before Stevenson, Washington in 6, now – Cavs in 7.

A two horse race all season, its only fitting the conference championship comes down to Detroit and Boston. The Celtics bring the star power – KG, Pierce, and Allen – with a surprisingly dominant defense and home court. After failing to reach the Finals each of the past two seasons Detroit is on a mission to get back. None of the Celts stars have played big in a big game yet, Detroit’s have. They want the big shot. Point guard is the difference, while Rajon Rondo exceeded expectations, he’s not Chauncey Billups. That matchup will be the difference in this classic series – Detroit in 7.

Western Conference

It happened last season, the eight seed knocking off the top seed in the West, this year only 6 wins separate the two, could it happen again? Not unless Denver suddenly learns how to play defense. Kobe has the running mate he begged for in Pau Gasol, a legit All-Star who fit right into the Lakers system like a glove. Hidden as a third option, don’t underestimate Lamar Odom, an immense talent that quietly averaged a double-double. Odom creates match-up problems for opponents, and can take over a game. The Lakers won’t need him to do that in Round One – LA in 5.

Rarely is the second-seed viewed as an underdog in the opening series, especially one that boasts an MVP candidate. Not quite the underdog in Vegas, a Hornets first round exit would still surprise few. The knock on them, never been there before. Well, Utah’s current cast never did it before last season, and ran to the conference finals. I’m not saying New Orleans won’t pay some playoff dues before contending for the title, but they deserve the second seed and will live up tot that expectation. Chris Paul dominated Jason Kidd all season, the only addition to a Dallas team that choked away the NBA Finals and a first-round series the previous two seasons. The Kidd trade did not provide the big lift a struggling Dallas team needed. Nowitzki injury aside, Dallas was inconsistent all season, with and without Kidd or Nowitzki. They have gaping holes on defense, in the post, and despite their mid-season acquisition, a mismatch at point guard in this series. Byron Scott would love to send Kidd crawling home four years after the outspoken point guard helped get Scott fired in New Jersey – NO in 6.

A heavyweight tussle made for the conference finals, not the first round. Forget the build up and hype, we all know the history between San Antonio and Phoenix by now, we know all the major players, buckle up for a classic. Amare Stoudemire played as good as anyone in the NBA after the Shaq acquisition freed him up on both ends of the court, the Spurs need to find a way to contain him off the pick and roll with Nash to slow down the Suns offensively. Duncan will play big, he always does in the playoffs, San Antonio needs a healthy Manu Ginobili. The lanky Argentine posted career numbers coming off the bench most of the season. A game changer on both ends of the floor, Ginobili makes the plays that win playoff games, a steal, a driving score in the fourth, he does it when it counts most. Expect a fierce battle, the stars will shine, Manu will rise – Spurs in 7.

Somehow, Houston managed to win 22 straight games, mostly without Yao Ming, surely earning Rick Adelman a few coach of the year votes. In this crazy season out West, Utah is seeded fourth, yet Houston holds home court, where they lost to Utah in a first round Game 7 last year. Despite averaging 28.5 ppg in the post-season, the inevitable question – Can Tracy McGrady win a playoff series – comes up, as if McGrady is the reason his team loses each year. Without Yao, McGrady showed signs of slowing down late in the season, hampered by a shoulder injury. Already missing point guard Rafer Alston for the first two games, Houston needs not only a healthy T-Mac, but possibly a herculean effort from McGrady to overcome a talented Jazz squad. Pencil in 3 almost automatic home wins for Utah, 37-4 in Salt Lake this year, Boozer and Williams will get at least one in Houston – Utah in 6.

After my don’t underestimate New Orleans speech, I give them little to no chance in the second round against San Antonio, to whom home court advantage makes little difference. LA and Utah has the makings of a classic, as do most series out West. When two teams are so closely matched, go with the best player on the court, in this case Kobe Bryant. On paper, you can argue the Spurs will lose each of these series, but they are the champs – five times to be exact – until beaten. Spurs in 6.

One question, will any team coming out of the West have enough in the tank when the Finals rolls around? The Spurs have an older team, having to go through Phoenix, New Orleans, and LA, in what expects to be three hard fought series may leave them out of gas in the finals. Detroit will have revenge on their mind, both on the critics who buried them after last season and on the Spurs who ended their chance to repeat in 2005. Lost in the Western Conference hype this season, nobody realizes how good Detroit and Boston actually are, the world will see in the finals – Detroit in 7.

Yesterday the NBA tipped off it’s second season without the New Jersey Nets for the first time in seven seasons, however many players and coaches with ties to the Nets organization still have a chance for the crown. So as the Nets hit the links, resting hope on ping-pong balls, here’s some former Nets to keep an eye on.

Western Conference

Dallas-New Orleans – Dallas made the blockbuster mid-season trade with New Jersey for this reason – to win in the playoffs. Jason Kidd is the only major change on a team with two consecutive post-season collapses, a first-round exit following a 67-win season last year, preceded by gift wrapping an NBA Finals series they had within grasp in 2006. No longer a 67-win team, Dallas needed a strong finish, helped by Dirk Nowitzki’s return to lineup, to slide in with the seven-seed, and a first round date with New Orleans.

Kidd is the focal point of this series on and off the court. His match up against MVP-candidate Chris Paul, who torched Kidd multiple times during the regular season, will go a long way in determining the series. If Paul continues to dominate, Dallas heads home in the first round again. On the bright side, Kidd did outplay Paul in the Mavs regular season finale win over New Orleans.

Off the court, that extension J-Kidd demanded from the Nets and he expected from Mark Cuban remains unsigned. Mr. Triple Double may still need to prove he’s worth his weight in gold – or green, in this case – before Dallas rewards the aging 34-year old point guard.

On the opposite bench, Byron Scott, leading candidate for coach of the year, sits with revenge on his mind. Only four years ago, Kidd forced the Nets to fire Scott following two NBA Finals appearances. Now, Scott has brought another team from the ranks of laughingstock to the forefront of championship discussion. Kidd, meanwhile, never reached that level of team success again, and this may be his last chance. Think Scott would like to squash it.

Of the small army New Jersey shipped to Dallas with Kidd, only Malik Allen expects to see any playing time, albeit minimal. Allen took a total of 7 shots in April. Antoine Wright saw substantial playing time while the Mavs battled injuries, now with Stackhouse back he is out of the picture. Jamaal Magloire appeared in one game in April.

Denver-Los Angeles – Net fans point to losing one player that ended the string of Eastern Conference supremacy earlier this decade – Kenyon Martin. After missing all but two games last season, Martin put up solid numbers in Denver’s run and gun system, averaging 12.4 points, 1.2 blocks, and 6.5 rebounds in 71 games. Teamed with Marcus Camby on the backline, Denver needs a solid defensive series from Martin to contain the Lakers post game. Denver will need to play defense to win in the playoffs, outside Camby, Martin is the most experienced, athletic frontcourt player.

Houston-Utah – Thrust back into a starting role when Yao Ming suffered the fractured leg, 41-year old Dikembe Mutombo hopes to return to the NBA Finals one last time. Mutombo filled in admirably for Yao, providing solid defense, a shot blocking presence, and leadership, to the Rockets. Mutombo has a tough assignment, against a younger, more athletic Utah frontcourt led by emerging superstar Carlos Boozer. Mutombo appeared in the NBA Finals with New Jersey in 2003 and Philadelphia in 2001.

San Antonio-Phoenix – When Tony Parker needs a breather, Gregg Poppovich will look to defensive-specialist Jacques Vaughn to contain former MVP point guard Steve Nash. If the Spurs go deep into the playoffs, Vaughn will have his opportunities to spell Parker. He fits San Antonio perfect, a prototypical role player that plays stingy defense, and possesses a high basketball IQ.

Boston-Atlanta – Playing backup point guard most of the season, Eddie House sacrificed shots and points for the good of the team. Of course, running along side three superstars on your way to a 66-16 season makes it easier. With Sam Cassell now on board to backup Rajon Rondo, House is free to do what he does best, shoot. That same shooting ability the Nets sorely missed this season, will force to defenses to spread out, opening up lanes for Garnet and Pierce inside. If teams opt leave House open, he can bury them from downtown. His 91% FT shooting makes House a viable option in late game situations.

Cleveland-Washtington – A throwback to another era, Damon James made a cameo with the Nets in 1998-99. Now, the University of Houston alum, enters the playoffs as part of the James Gang for the third straight year. Cleveland needs its role players to step up, or the NBA Finals is a pipe dream, barring unmatched heroics from Lebron. Last year Daniel Gibson emerged, could Jones be the one to step up this year?

Toronto-Orlando – For those who forget, the Nets actually drafted current Raptor Anthony Parker in 1997, then shipped him to Philadelphia in the Keith Van Horn transaction. Parker continues to contribute on the court, while Van Horn deposits checks.

Philadelphia-Detroit – Former Nets GM Ed Stefanski now presides over arguably the biggest surprise in the NBA. Most experts picked Philly to battle for the top spot in the lottery, not playoff position. Give credit where credit is due though, former GM Billy King drafted the young players emerging this year, and built this team.

The Nets never had a chance on this road trip. Five games against teams a combined 50 games over .500 at the time, a history of failure against the Texas triple, an MVP candidate and hot franchise in the fourth game, two teams riding double-digit win streaks, all while integrating a new starting point guard into the fold. Even with those odds, you figure the Nets could steal one game, or at least beat the Grizzlies. Think again.

Only the Rockets, riding an 18-game win streak, stand between the Nets and an 0-5 road trip, the second extended winless trip in two months after dropping six straight out West in mid-January. Do they miss Jason Kidd? Did the matchup in Dallas with Kidd’s Mavs Saturday distract the young team, who struggle to focus without any unneeded stress? No, on both fronts. They have played terribly inconsistent, on all fronts – similar to with Kidd before the trade.

Finally, everyone can put the Kidd hoopla aside – we think – now it’s time the Nets truly put up or shut up for the 2007-2008 season. Since the trade, Carter’s quotes have sounded like a countdown, “It’s the next 28 games,” “25 more games like that,”, …, now its down to 19. Time to stop talking about finishing the season strong and making the playoffs, and play like it.

Sitting outside the playoff picture in ninth place, even if the Nets earn a seventh playoff appearance it will likely end similar to this road trip, four painless blowouts. Lawrence Frank needs to start using players with an eye towards the future, towards evaluation, while still trying to win in the process. How you say, do they do that?

• Start in the fourth quarter, where New Jersey continues to fall apart every game. Get the ball to Nenad Kristic. He continues to improve, working his way back to pre-injury form, but only does his damage early in games.
• Stop shooting quick jumpers late in games. It starts with the point guard and the coach. Devin Harris needs to penetrate and run the offense, not take 15-20 shots a game from long range. If Harris insists on shooting too much, and Marcus Williams continues to play within the flow of the offense, Frank has to finish games with Williams on the floor until Harris gets the message.
• Attack the zone. Team will continue to throw 2-3 zones at the Nets until they show an ability to beat it. 63 games into the season and they still quiver at the site of the defense. Before the season ends, just once, look prepared to attack the zone. Flash Kristic to the high post, penetrate the seams, throw a lob over the back line.
• Use a rotation that gives the best chance to win…and allows Thorn and Kiki to make decisions about players for next season. Is Trenton Hassell in the Nets plans? Does he help them win? Self-explanatory, bench him. Ditto Darrel Armstrong. Is Swift in the plans? Lets find out.

The rest of the season starts tonight, now truly in the post-Kidd era. More than wins, the Nets need to compete, not show up for half the game. Show some resiliency in the fourth quarter. It starts with the leadership – RJ, VC, and Frank. Carter and Jefferson don’t need to score every basket, but act like leaders, make the big play, take the charge, throw the extra pass, get to the line, encourage the new guys and young players.

Check out the podcast for more thoughts on who the leader of the team, it’s more clear cut than you think.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Devin Harris took the old saying to new levels, nailing his first six shots after debuting for Nets at the 2:30 mark of the first quarter Thursday night. By time his first run ended – 16 points, 2 assists, and 9 minutes later – New Jersey had busted off a 22-5 run en route to a season-high 68 point half and a 13 point lead. Harris slowed down in the second half, but 21 points in 21 minutes after sitting out for exactly one month is a nice debut. Parlaying the season-high points in the first half to a season game-high in a 120-106 win over Milwaukee makes it that much sweeter.

From the sounds of it, Nets fans may carry him straight to Canton if he keeps this up, saluting his first game in Jersey by chanting DEVIN-HARRIS-clap-clap Yankee Stadium style in the closing minutes of the fourth. Ironically, the same night Dallas lost to San Antonio with Jason Kidd watching the deciding second from the bench of all places, Harris looked in-sync with his new teammates, evidenced by his highlight reel, underhanded alley-oop to Vince Carter in transition.

Observers gushed over his speed, Ian Eagle already dubbing Harris “The Blur”. I prefer Roadrunner from the old Looney Tunes cartoons. He ran the break, pushed the tempo, exhibited a killer crossover dribble, extended the defense out, picking up closer to half court rather than laying back, similar to teammate Darrell Armstrong. Harris was not perfect though, Mo Williams took it to him a few times on his way to a solid 24 points, his shooting slumped in the second half, and he picked up a technical foul late in the game, but let’s not knit pick.

Lest we forget, it takes a team effort to post 120 points. Jefferson and Carter continued their solid play in the post-Kidd era with 19 points apiece on an efficient 14-27 combined shooting. However, Jefferson again struggled defensively against a big time offensive threat, as Michael Redd carried the Bucks back into the game in the second half, finishing with 33 points. With the game still in doubt, Boki Nochbar, rapidly losing playing time since the Kidd trade, stepped up to reel off 13 4^th quarter points – his only points of the night – to finish off Milwaukee. A big stretch for Boki, who has struggled through inconsistent play all season, and now seems lost in Frank’s evolving rotation. Clutch scoring with the game on the line will surely win some brownie points.

Overshadowed at the point by Harris, Marcus Williams posted another solid game with 11 points, 8 assists, and 5 caroms. Despite a rough shooting night, Marcus continued to control the offense, effectively run half-court sets, while picking his spots for transition. His biggest improvement is in decision-making, evidenced by the goose egg in the turnover column.

Frank has a good problem, finding time for everyone. Expect Harris to start within the week, if for other reason than they have to justify the Kidd deal. With Antoine Wright out of the picture, Williams solid play puts him as the first guard off the bench and should find himself 20 minutes a night. Expect Frank to use Williams and Harris together at times with RJ or VC on the bench, and each running the point with the stars on the court – Marcus has played his way into the picture.

Thursday was heaven on earth at the Izod Center. Sunday everything crashes back to reality with the defending champs invading the building ahead of a brutal road trip that features a visit to San Antonio, New Orleans, and the big match with Dallas and, what’s his name again. Oh yeah, Memphis fits in there, the must win of all must wins. Nobody should expect a five or six game winning streak, but the Nets need to beat some good teams or Thursday means nothing.

Mark Cuban and Rod Thorn performed the Heimlich maneuver on the Jason Kidd trade during All-Star weekend. After applying pressure to the sternum area of a choking Jason Kidd, the trade demons coughed out Keith Van Horn and Trenton Hassell, allowing Jason Kidd to breathe easy again. Still pending league approval, no given in this situation, the Nets ship Kidd and Malik Allen to Dallas for Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Mauric Ager, Keith Van Horn, two first round draft picks, and cash. Subsequently the Mavs send a second round draft pick to Jersey for Antoine Wright and a bottle of Advil – just in case that Kidd migraine problem pops up.

Again, nothing is official until its official. The teams tentatively scheduled a conference call to obtain league approval for Monday, with the use of Keith Van Horn, unofficially retired for two seasons and not expected to play, the only potential obstacle. This trade has had it all – weeks of anticipation after a public trade request, the Bird Exception, the Gary Payton rule, a semi-retired player about to get a few million dollars to show up for a physical. What’s next?

Both Dallas and New Jersey gave a little to solve the Devean George and Stackhouse problems from the original trade, which I thought were too much to overcome to get this trade done in under a week. Dallas takes a luxury tax hit by signing Van Horn to replace George in the trade, while the Nets assume more long-term salary in Hassell, who will earn double Stackhouse’s salary in 2009-2010.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this trade had to happen. It passed the point of no return. Nowitzki’s comments about George, the fan reaction, Diop and Harris questioning if Dallas wanted them put the Dallas chemistry at risk, and the Nets faced an even more disgruntled Kidd, who booked his ticket out of town, magnifying an already toxic situation. Too much at stake for both teams to let a few million dollars here or there, a journeyman’s bonehead decision, and a veteran’s loose lips, to hold things up. Now, if the league office pulls the plug on the Van Horn loophole that will certainly end this trade without help from a third party.

Expect Kidd to rediscover his old self for Dallas, but the rejuvenated point guard may not be enough to overcome defensive deficiencies and lack of frontcourt depth to compete with the now ultra-competitive Western Conference. The trade at least puts them back in the discussion. Similar to Phoenix, the Kidd move is high risk, high reward. Dallas can go on to win the NBA crown this season, or they can give Kidd his extension, flop in the playoffs yet again, then find themselves saddled with a bad contract in salary cap hell two years from now. Replacing Kidd with Harris makes Dallas the oldest team in the NBA, a sure sign of win now.

Over the next few podcasts, and on the blogs, we’ll analyze why Harris is not a major downgrade from the 2007-2008 version of Jason Kidd. Ten years younger, signed through 2013 for significantly less money, a better shooter (not passer), arguably a better defender – all positives. Harris will never approach Kidd in his prime, but if he plays hard every night, fits in with the offense, continues to improve at the same curve he has since his rookie season, New Jersey still makes the playoffs in the tremendously watered-down Eastern Conference. More importantly, three years from now and five years from the Nets are in better shape after this trade.

Ironic Kidd’s last soiree as a Net came in the All-Star game, playfully chatting with future teammate Dirk Nowitzki on the court, while his real teammates sat thousands of miles away. Symbolic of how he played this season – more interested in playing with other teams stars, alienating the guys in his own locker room. All the trade talk must have confused Kidd, during his post game comments he was quoted as saying Jersey is great, has wonderful fans, and he wishes them the best of luck. Too bad he didn’t feel that way earlier this season. Hey, at least as Kidd mentioned, the golf is great.

For Dallas and New Jersey must complete the NBA front office version of the 60 yard hurdles to consummate the proposed Jason Kidd trade, at this point. Devean George stand as hurdle one, now the NBA stands as hurdle two, after Jerry Stackhouse cavalierly commentary about the Nets buyout and his return to Dallas raised red flags with other GM’s and the league office. The NBA prohibits trade announcements over All-Star weekend, nonetheless talks will continue but with the deadline six days away, two huge obstacles in the way with limited workarounds available, the trade looks dead unless a third team comes out of the woodwork.

Although he is well within his rights to block the trade to protect his Bird Exception status, which equates to more potential money next season, it’s likely to backfire. The Early Bird Exception allows a player with veteran status on a one-year contract in his second year with the same team to resign with that team for whichever is higher, 175% of his current salary or the NBA average salary. If traded George loses his rights and his chance at the payday.

George will come to regret the decision because he only benefits if Dallas resigns him, and agrees to pay that salary, an unlikely scenario. Throw in a paltry 3.8 points and under 3 assists in 15 minutes per game on top of the backlash he created with this fiasco, Mark Cuban will personally escort him out of town at his first opportunity – that is, if the fans don’t first. With an entire organization and its fan base turned against him, and not much production to support his case, George has little to no chance of ever cashing in those Bird rights. Why not go play for the Nets? Play being the operative word. Only a few weeks ago, George complained about his lack of playing time with Dallas and requested a trade out of Big D. Despite logging extended action the past week, George will find himself back to the bench when the Mavs get healthy, with little chance to improve his value for next season. By blocking the trade he may preserve future earning potential, but lose actual earnings when free agency rolls around.

The Stackhouse problem stems directly from his immature comments about resting and returning to the Mavs in 30 days. That statement hints at a pre-arranged future deal, a no-no in the NBA, a league already battling ethics questions after the gambling fiasco last season. Reportedly, other GM’s around the league are raising red flags behind the scenes. All indications are the league office will prevent Stackhouse from resigning with Dallas if traded, removing him from the trade since Dallas needs him for a legitimate title run. Ironically, Stackhouse shares the same agent as Jason Kidd. Jeff Schwartz flaunted the Kidd trade demands all season, now his own client shot him in the foot. Can’t blame Rod Thorn for this one.

Dallas had options to workaround the George problem, but Stackhouse and George is too much to overcome. The Nets will not take Trenton Hassell. Unless a third team helps, Dallas is in trouble. They now have two players, Harris and Diop, who have to return to a team that traded them, one player, George, who teammates and fans publicly criticized for blocking the trade. Dirk Nowitzki went as far as calling Devean George “selfish” for blocking the trade, putting himself ahead of the team. The fans booed him out of the building during a sterling 0-11 performance the night he exercised his rights. Stuck with the same team that had little chance of winning the West anyway, the struggling Mavs now have a fractured locker room with potential chemistry issues. Kiss this season goodbye.

Meanwhile, Kidd publicly says he’s OK with returning to the Nets. Kidd has to prove that with his play on the court. Another half season of half-hearted efforts will further diminish his future trade value, and kill the small glimmer of hope the Nets have this season. If he comes back focused, knowing Thorn did his best to accommodate the trade request and will try again in the off-season, Kidd can help the Nets turn the ship around this season. A healthy Kristic, two improving big men, another athletic option in the mix with Swift, Carter, well some nights at least – the Nets have the tools to make another second half run with Kidd. Unless another trade comes about before Thursday, unlikely but possible just like the Dallas trade suddenly came about last week, Wednesday we see if Kidd wears his happy face, keeps playing with the urgency he showed during his “trade auditions”, and start to learn if Kidd really is OK with staying in NJ.

The NBA exhaled after George held up the trade, preventing an unprecedented situation of an All-Star starter switching leagues before the game.

After months of complaints, public and private requests, a migraine induced walk-out, and sub-par effort, Jason Kidd finally has a reason to smile again. The Nets shipped the future Hall of Famer to Dallas in exchange for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Desagna Diop, Devean George, and a pair of first round draft picks, sure to be late in the first round. Dallas also receives Malik Allen and Antoine Wright to equalize the salaries.

Recent speculation led many to believe Rod Thorn would hold Kidd until the summer, unimpressed by the current offers. That was until Mark Cuban witnessed Kidd’s personal audition on Sunday night, leading New Jersey to a blowout of a Dallas team that received ZERO assists from its starting point guard. Toss in the blockbuster moves by Phoenix and LA last week with and the Mavs path to the Finals, and Cuban knew he faced another disappointing playoff run without a bold move. Will Kidd put them over the top? Remains to be seen, since Harris played well prior to the injury, and Dallas has more weaknesses than just the point guard position.

The Nets obtain a potential budding star – though not projected to approach Kidd’s level – three expiring contracts, and draft picks. Probably the best Thorn could do. Harris, who turns 25 in two weeks, ten years younger than Kidd, is averaging 14.4 points and over five dimes a night. With Harris due almost $14 million less than Kidd next season, the Nets now have cap flexibility to pursue free agents or potential trades.

Insert Harris next to a still young Richard Jefferson, a blossoming duo of young, athletic big men, 24-year old Nenad Kristic, and the Nets have a young nucleus. All that’s missing is the superstar shooting guard/power forward. For now, it’s Vince Carter.

The Nets were not winning any championships with the current team, so keeping an unhappy Kidd around provided no positive. Teams often regret waiting too long to pull the trigger on moving an aging star player, Thorn decided to jump the gun instead of waiting it out. Does it make the Nets better today? Probably not, though Harris brings a better offensive game than Kidd – look forward to less 1-9 shooting nights – but puts another piece into place for the future. Now Thorn needs to work his magic, and get a big time scoring guard not named Vince Carter, not over 30 years old, into the Izod Center by next season.

More to come on the Kidd legacy…

Some people just need a wake-up call to get going. Vince Carter took a standing eight count after a shot to the face from Brandon Bass, following Richard Jefferson as the second Net knocked out in a week. When Carter returned to the floor later in the 2^nd quarter, Nets trailing Dallas by ten about to have the doors blown off again, then something amazing happened. The old Vince Carter emerged.

The Nets ran off 21 straight points, only slowed by halftime, led by an array of dazzling Carter moves. Fade away jumpers, back cuts to the hoop for lay-ups, and the showtime drives to the basket off transition. Carter found the “zone”, rattling off 25 points on efficient 10-14 shooting after absorbing the elbow, en route to a game-high 29.

His partner in crime, Jason Kidd, commanded the game, dominating for a second straight outing. Assuming the floor general role, Kidd led the Nets to 21 fast break points, threading the needle on countless bounce passes to setup easy baskets. Toss in a few highlight reel lob passes among the 14 assists. Stats aside, Kidd controlled the game, forced the action, ran the offense, and even cracked a smile while doing it. Jason Kidd, enjoying the Nets play? Stop the presses.

Arguably more impressive than the Carter and Kidd offensive duo, was the Nets defensive effort. The high-powered Mavs managed only 84 points, and a combination of Boone, Sean Williams, Jefferson, et al. limited MVP Dirk Nowitzki to 4-16 shooting for a quiet 21 points.

Dallas shot only 36% from the field, but captured the first half lead with easy second chance opportunities, and a few layups on defensive breakdowns, leading to 18 first half points in the paint. When Carter reemerged the whole team came alive, started to box out and attack the defensive glass. Three-point defense, a recurring defensive problem for the Nets, excelled. The Mavs shot a putrid 2-18 from deep with the Nets contesting shots all night, ant Mavs having an off night.

In his second game back on the bench, Sean Williams excelled. Appearing refocused after Kristic replaced him the starting lineup, Williams provided a few highlight reel dunks and a thunderous block on a Nowitzki jumper that led to a Carter breakaway dunk, a microcosm of the night. He finished the night with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and two blocks, and exhibited good footwork in the post and nice touch from the outside. Rather than sulk after the demotion, Williams has stepped up.

The most promising play of the night might be a simple post move that resulted in two foul shots. Nenad Kristic caught the ball with his back to the basket, then put a quick baseline spin move to go by Josh Howard – reminiscent of the pre-ACL injury Kristic, the Kristic New Jersey needs. A small step, but Kristic emanated the confidence he lacked the first four games of his return, nailing a jumper, getting to the line, and crashing the boards for 8 rebounds. Knee problem, what knee problem.

While it’s only two games, barely a streak, this win was the most dominant outing of an otherwise disappointing season. Kristic, Carter, Kidd, a solid contribution from RJ, Sean Williams off the bench, suddenly the Nets have hope.

With Mark Cuban in full view, the Mavs starting PG JJ Barea netted zero assists as he watched Kidd tear his defense apart. Based on last night, Dallas needs guard help, albeit Devin Harris remained on the bench injured. Kidd played possessed, same as Friday, expect more of it Tuesday and Wednesday, during this extended audition. The question remains, if the Nets keep Kidd at the Meadowlands, will these performances come and go along with the trade deadline?