http://msn.espn.go.com/nba/news/2002/0924/1436072.html Tuesday, September 24 Associated Press NEW YORK -- Jason Kidd will be one of the biggest names filing for free agency after next season. That doesn't mean the New Jersey Nets point guard plans signing with anyone else. "Maybe I ought to carry a cue card,'' Kidd said Tuesday after receiving the Thurman Munson Award for community service presented by the Association for the Help of r****ded Children. "I'm playing it out. I've enjoyed being here in New Jersey. The Nets are my No. 1 choice. That's my answer all year long. "I have to play it out and see what happens.'' NBA rules require that Kidd file for free agency because he signed a contract extension with Phoenix before he was traded to the Nets last year. He averaged 14.7 points, 9.9 assists and 7.3 rebounds, took the Nets to the NBA Finals and was runnerup to Tim Duncan in the MVP voting. He's become a cornerstone of the Nets franchise and isn't interested in changing that situation. Kidd was labeled a West Coast guy because he went to school at California and spent the first six years of his NBA career playing for Western Conference teams in Dallas and Phoenix. The trade to New Jersey was risky for him. "I never thought I'd be able to survive but it's been great,'' Kidd said. "I understand what the East Coast is all about. "Winning and being around a great group of guys makes the (free agent) decision easier and that's what we have. I'm looking to complete my career and win a championship with New Jersey. Free agency is a window of opportunity and I'll take advantage of that.'' Kidd endorsed the Nets offseason moves which reshaped the roster around him with the addition of 7-foot center Dikembe Mutombo, point guard Chris Childs and swingman Rodney Rogers. "Rodney gives us strength off the bench,'' Kidd said. "Chris understands the backup role and then there's the fly swatter back there who helps on defense and makes us more aggressive on the perimeter.'' The difficult part is fitting the new players into the mix. "You can never put a price tag on chemistry,'' Kidd said. "You either have it or you don't. And you find out in the first few practices.'' Kidd made that transition seamlessly last season and then spent the summer acquainting himself with his new home. He played golf, went to the beaches, spent some time in the Hamptons and generally embraced the area. "I love being an East Coast guy,'' he said. "There's so much flavor. It's fun. I like the East. I hope I don't have to go far if everything works out for the rest of my career.'' If he's so happy with the Nets, does that mean Kidd would march into president Rod Thorn's office right now and re-sign immediately, if the rules allowed? "Would I sign right now?'' Kidd said, repeating the question. "That's a very good question.'' He thought about it for a moment. Then he had an answer. "No,'' he said. "That's too easy. You've got to make them sweat. You've got to make Rod nervous.''
I hope Kidd does stay with the Nets. I don't have anything against San Anton, but the last thing I want now that the Rockets look like they can contend again within a few years is to make the Spurs that much better. Interesting how much difference region plays.
Well, Joumana Kidd likes Jersey. Let's hope she helps him convince Jason to stay there. I want my boy Steve on the Western Conference All Stars, youknowwhatI'msayin? Not to mention better chances in the playoffs.
so...if kidd stays in new jersey (which i have ALWAYS believed he will do) what happens to san antonio's grand plans for after this offseason? the list of prominent free agents is growing shorter and shorter. meanwhile, san antonio has put all of their eggs in one basket...telling everyone they're gonna sign this player and that player. i personally think they're going to sign no one worthwhile, lose tim duncan, and be exposed for the asterisk champion, arrogant, illiterate, uneducated fans that they truly are. and i'll love it.
I don't trust what Jason said either. He's just sayin what will make the fans happy. He didn't commit to staying in New Jersey at all; all he said was that they're his first choice...and that doesn't mean anything.
verse, Slammin on Spurs fans a simple sport..pretty harsh. Anyway, Duncan is staying in SA (as much as this board would like to believe otherwise). His house is 5 min from the palatial new practice "facility". There's a new arena to play in; his best friend (Malik Rose) is locked up, he has a backcourt to work with that has great potential, and works for an organiztion that has put the team in position to compete (if not contend) for a title this year, AND have enough money to sign a MAX free agent next year, plus another MLE player & change! Also, Denver, Chicago, Washington, & the Clips are the only teams poised to have money to throw at him...not exactly contenders or warm climates to live in. As far a Kidd being the only egg in the basket; there is not concensus that it would be wise to even throw a max contract at Kidd next year. He will be 34 years old - a 6 year contract keeps any team that signs him over the cap for several years after he is worth that much! Tony Parker only just turned 20, and was damn impressive his rookie season. J. Kidd he aint, but in this world of salary capps, you gotta fill needs, & next year the Spurs will NEED a big, not a point guard - and if Ginobilli works out as it appears he might, the 2 will be taken care of as well. Kandi, Brand, O'neal will be on the short list. When those guys all get locked up, then look for some shower rod action from the Spurs brass. Until then, I hope Ming turns out to be all that - I would love to start seeing those stats from teams coming to the "Texas Triangle". That is, enter Texas on a road trip, leave with three "L"s. I-10/35/45 rivalry for the next decade.
amazing how malik rose is tim duncan's best friend now. hmm, for years his best friend has been antonio daniels. that much is very well publicized. now that daniels is gone, his best friend is malik rose. his best friend got traded. period. as far as kidd...everyone in san antonio, prior to kidd's statements, have been saying how kidd's coming to sa, blah blah. now, watch the crabwalking begin. watch how kidd's not the right guy anyway, blah blah. i heard a guy on the radio yesterday saying how tony parker will be better than j kidd. spurs fans disgust me.
oh, and the spurs wouldn't need a big if duncan would stop being a punk and play his true position - center. unfortunately, he'd rather beat up on smaller power forwards and let 6'4" malik rose play center.
