Kidd back involved in the league after announcing playing retirement this month.
The Brooklyn Nets have announced that they are set to appoint Jason Kidd as their new head coach for next season, according to ESPN.
A source told the broadcaster that Kidd will sign a three-year deal and will be unveiled in a press conference at the Barclays Center on Thursday.
It marks a swift return to the game for the veteran, after he recently announced his retirement from playing following the conclusion of the New York Knicks’ playoff campaign.
Nevertheless, it is a welcome return for one of the best point guards the league has produced, and he will now be hoping his rapid venture into coaching is a successful one.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to be named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, and it’s a role I have been studying for over the course of my playing days,” Kidd told the media.
“Championship teams are built on being prepared, playing unselfishly and being held accountable, and that’s how I expect to coach this basketball team. I am truly excited about this next phase of my basketball career.”
The 40-year-old reportedly convinced the management at the Nets that he was ready to move straight onto the bench despite having no prior coaching experience.
The former Nets guard drew up plays and showed how he wanted the offense to work next season, which impressed owner Mikhail Prokhorov and his representatives which has led to their decision to hire him.
“Jason Kidd has a long and legendary history with the Nets and with the city of New York,” he said in a statement.
“He has the fire in the belly we need, and has achieved as a player everything the Brooklyn Nets are striving to achieve. We believe he will lead us there. Welcome home, Jason.”
Kidd will now be reunited with the franchise he led to NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and ’03 while the Nets were still in New Jersey.
His success with the organisation, coupled with the presence and respect that he commands within the game has ensured the Nets have taken somewhat of a risk in appointing him.
It is believed his close relationship with current point guard Deron Wiliams was also a defining factor, with the Nets star taking to Twitter to share his excitement over working with the veteran next year.
COMMENTS