Kidd will visit the Alamo this summer LAST UPDATE: 2/9/2003 4:26:06 AM Posted By: Spurs News Editor Dusty Garza SpursReport A year ago, Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd let the world know that they would love to play together someday. Both were still well over a year away from becoming free-agents. Coming into this All-Star Weekend, Duncan joked about not being in close proximity to Kidd so as not to further fan the flames of rumors that they may be teaming up in San Antonio. But the jokes about keeping a safe distance may have been just that- a joke. "I love speaking with Jason," Duncan said. "He's a great guy. I've enjoyed being around him. The couple of teams that we played on together, we've had some good times. I'm not going to avoid him just because of whatever. We'll be around each other and we'll talk just the same." Duncan has been bombarded with questions about his own free-agency, but didn't offer much hope to other teams that he would be leaving San Antonio. "I like the way things are playing out in San Antonio. I really like what I'm seeing, but my priorities are to finish the season and to finish it well," Duncan said. When Kidd and Duncan open their mouths, their words set off a media firestorm- particularly in the New York/New Jersey area where people are getting nervous that Kidd may leave this summer; and rightly so. The weekend is only half over, but already it is becoming very clear that Kidd has opened the door to the possibilities that exist in San Antonio. He also opened another door- one that may lead to an exit from New Jersey. Kidd has indicated more than once that he would be interested in teaming up with Duncan. Furthermore, he has all but purchased airline tickets to visit San Antonio after the season is over. He may not have to buy any tickets at all. Surely, the Spurs would be happy to send a jet for him. Still, when pressed by the media, he takes a step back and tries to say all the right things. "It would be hard to turn down playing with a big man like Tim Duncan," Kidd said- trying to measure his words carefully. "He is a big attraction and he helps the aspect if I was to go to San Antonio, but I'm happy with the guys that I have, with Kenyon Martin and R. J. right now. But again, come July 1, I will see what the Alamo has to offer. "San Antonio happens to be one of the teams, legitimately, if I was a free agent, that could win a championship. I feel I could help that team win a championship." If experts are correct, San Antonio would have the salary cap space to sign Kidd to a six-year maximum contract worth about $101 million, in addition to having enough money to re-sign Duncan. "Money isn't the issue," said Kidd, who along with Duncan led the league in votes for last year's MVP tabulations. "The biggest worry I have is trying to win a championship." Several NBA executives from other NBA cities, who have spoken on condition of anonymity, say that Kidd is more likely to end up in South Texas than back in Jersey. "He loves to play golf and if anyone can pull it off, the Spurs can," said one insider. "Popovich and Buford have the money, the facilities, the ownership support... They have the best shot." Fearing any number of possible warnings or fines from the league, Kidd has been very careful not to show too many of his cards or paint himself into a corner. "I'm not saying I'm going to San Antonio," Kidd told the New York Times. "I'm going to leave the door wide open and I'm going to look at the few teams that I can win a championship with." If there is anyone who might know what Jason Kidd is thinking about his plans for the upcoming free agency period, it would be Gary Payton. Payton was a mentor for Kidd on the Oakland playgrounds, but he didn't want to open up about what he may have heard about Kidd's future. "I can't tell you that and then I'll mess it up for him telling me," Payton said. "I think he's fine where he's at in New Jersey. If he wants to sign back there, he's going to get the mint there. I think wherever he goes, he's going to get a mint. Everybody knows he can play. He just has to go to the team where he feels he can win a championship and he's going to be happy at." --spursreport.com
I don't see Kidd playing in San Antonio. He has a great relationship with TD and the Spurs w/ Kidd have a great chance at winning the championship, but what about Parker? Parker has improved and he is still very young and will get even better. I think the Spurs are better off going after more size or a consistent scorer at the 2. Parker has a short term contract and the Spurs better be very careful how they handle their PG situation. They could end up with nothing!
