After Kenyon Martin was sent packing before the start of the 04-05 season, Jason Kidd demanded a trade. Last season during the All-Star break, Kidd was rumored to be on his way to Hollywood. Early this year Kidd voiced out his dismay with the Nets. After weeks of speculation and countless trade proposals, Kidd was finally granted his wish of a new home. A second chance, it was dubbed for Kidd's return to the team that drafted hin back in '94, Dallas. We have all heard the pros and cons. But ultimately, it is in Jason Kidd's hands. A 10-8 win-loss record was not something that is expected with his return. What makes it worse, is that he has yet to win against a legitimate team. Close... but no cigar. And I'm sure Cuban didn't give up a lot to be just "close". Cuban wants one thing from Kidd. An NBA title. Truth be told, anything less than a finals appearance would be a failure. This could haunt Cuban for years to come for pulling the trigger on what could be called a big mistake. Something is obviously wrong. And it has to be fixed, fast. Cuban has opened a very small window. Don't get me wrong though, that window could very well be the NBA championship. The deal is done. And I believe that it is a decision that they should live with. They got Kidd to lead them. Give him the ball and let him run the Mavs the way he wants to. They paid a lot for Kidd right? Since Cuban has given Jason the keys, why not let him drive the damn thing. Jason Kidd has to take the wheel. It's something that he has long wanted anyway. A message to the Mavs: Live and Die with Jason Kidd.
I'm not seeing how the window is open at all this year. I think everything is looking poorly conceived at this juncture. Kidd and the coach are totally not on the same page about what to do, Dirk's hurt, and their style of play is a mish-mash of things. I think their best hope is that everything could get worked out in the offseason and then they make a run next year. But truth be told, I dont see it happening. Kidd'll be a year older and less effective, as will guys like Stackhouse and Jones.
I'm pretty sure the window has slammed shut on them this year, and they're trying to find a way to pry it open. With things in their current state, this team is in total dismay. Their all star point guard and coach do not get along. They have conflicting thoughts on the style of play they want to run, and it's pretty clear that the way things are being run, Kidd dislikes. The isolation style of offense the Mavs run is clearly not a good fit for Kidd, as noted by the fact that he's averaging about 6apg with them. It also doesn't help that he left his jump shot in New Jersey. Someone in the Kidd/Avery situation is going to have to budge, if not, someone's gone, and it won't be Kidd. Mark my word, if the Mavs miss the playoffs, Avery Johnson will not be coaching there next year. They'll bring in someone who can actually utilize the strengths of this team. Also, lacking Dirk is not helping. I picked them to fall out of the playoffs before he got hurt, and that certainly didn't help. His injury is what basically slammed the proverbial window shut. They were playing mediocre at best with him recently (they were 13-11 in the past two months before the injury) and weren't showing an signs of turning the corner with the addition of Kidd. And considering how good the West is, you can't stumble the way they have and not have expected to fall at some point. The injury to Dirk was really just the nail in the coffin on a team that looked like they were on their way down anyways.
Losing Dirk is a big blow to the team. But I still feel that a lot is on Jason's hands. Honestly, the Kidd we know hasn't showed up. And I don't believe that it's because of his 35 year old legs. Kidd looks like he has hand cuffs out on the floor. The so-called "general" is given way too much control. It's downright ridiculous! I think Cuban has to choose, Kidd or Avery. And it would just be plain stupid for him to stick with Avery. If you read between the lines, it's as if Avery doesn't want Kidd to shine at all. I still believe that Mr. Avery Johnson thinks he's the better point guard. Avery's ego is as big as his mouth. He won't be the coach to give Dallas a ring. Get Avery OUT!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Mar 26 2008, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It also doesn't help that he left his jump shot in New Jersey.</div> You make it sound like Kidd actually used to have a jump shot..
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tradebark @ Mar 27 2008, 03:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Mar 26 2008, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It also doesn't help that he left his jump shot in New Jersey.</div> You make it sound like Kidd actually used to have a jump shot.. </div> At least he had confidence in taking those shots.
