Kidd: Blame Me if Nets Go Wrong

NY Post

October 7, 2005 -- There are legitimate All-Stars at three starting positions for the Nets. "Three, definitely, at least three superstars," not just All-Stars, insisted newcomer Marc Jackson. The depth impresses with proven NBA types going 12 deep.
Aside from Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, Jason Kidd wants all the heat, all the pressure ? and if things go wrong ? all the blame placed squarely on his shoulders.

When it comes to share-the-wealth and share-the-ball, Kidd will be at the forefront with everybody. But when it comes to share-the-burdens, he wants to stand alone.

"I don't mind that. As long as my teammates feel freely that they can go out there and there's no pressure on them, I'll take all the heat," shrugged Kidd, who seems genuinely psyched and excited about the potential of this Nets bunch, a total reversal from last year when he was rehabbing and looking at a tailor-made lottery team.

"It always is going to be pointed toward me if we don't win. The big thing is for me to get these guys ready and also for me to be ready," continued Kidd, whose leadership, poise and other intangibles are as important to the Nets as his passing and decision-making. "I don't mind talking the blame or being the goat if things don't go well."

Since Kidd arrived in New Jersey, things rarely have not gone well for the Nets (190-138, .579). There were two Finals trips, a visit to the Eastern semis (with him playing on one knee) and last season's playoff cameo, still an accomplishment considering the team once was ranked behind Alabama A&T in the polls.

"His leadership has been unbelievable . . . unreal from the first conditioning drill to the end," said coach Lawrence Frank. "Now responsibility falls on all of our shoulders. As the head coach, it obviously starts with me. But for him to say that [he wants it] shows great leadership and accountability.

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