Friday, June 14, 2013

Jason Kidd Isn't Ready To Be A Head Coach

For the record I'm a big fan of Jason Kidd.  I've watched him over the years display unbelievable court vision, leadership, and develop a consistent jump shot that prolonged his career.  Hell, I even took his side when he and Jimmy Jackson were fighting over Toni Braxton back in the Dallas days (first tour of duty).  Still and yet I don't know who told him becoming a head coach weeks after announcing his retirement from playing in the NBA was a good idea.

Jason Kidd has never coached at any level.  His basketball knowledge isn't in question, but I wonder how he will relate to players now that he is the disciplinarian.  Lots of people struggle with that transition and professional athletes have a tendency to hold grudges when they don't get what they want.  I think his ability to relate to players will be compromised once he starts telling them what to do and demands perfection on every play.

In addition, superstars typically don't make good NBA coaches.  With the exception of Larry Bird and Lenny Wilkens most Hall of Fame players (Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, Clyde Drexler) find it difficult to coach players that don't have extraordinary gifts and a tireless work ethic.  They quickly realize their level of expectation is unrealistic. 

The good news is ownership is behind him 100% and he's coaching a team he has a history with.  The bad news is the Brooklyn Nets are not in a rebuilding mode and the fans want to see a winner.  They may not have the patience for Kidd to make a smooth transition.  No more parties, hanging out with the fellas, and signing autographs, just film study and ulcers await the future Hall of Famer.  If I had to handicap this one I'd say Jason will last half a season.  He'd be better off as an assistant for a year or two than jumping right into the fire as the head guy.  Can't wait to see how he reacts when Deron Williams quits on him or Joe Johnson starts to pout because he's not getting enough shots.  Your thoughts?

1 comment:

  1. At this time it looks like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform out
    there right now. (from what I've read) Is that what you're using on your blog?


    Look at my webpage Nike Blazers JD

    ReplyDelete