The letters screamed out in all-caps across the Barclays Center video board, punctuated by an exclamation point. “HELLO COACH! J.KIDD BACK WHERE HE BELONGS.”
There are differences, of course, between these Brooklyn Nets and the New Jersey Nets of Jason Kidd’s youth. The location and team name have been altered, and the color scheme is different.
But the Nets have called upon Kidd again to lead an organization they believe should be competing for NBA championships. First, as a player.
Thursday, in front of his family, his star point guard and dozens of news reporters, Kidd was introduced formally as the Nets’ head coach by general manager Billy King.
“When this process started … we were looking for a coach that’s going to have great leadership, help us get to the direction we want to get to and get players to compete,” King said. “Jason Kidd embodies everything we were looking for.
“Anytime you make a hire, I think it’s a risk. You’ve got to believe in your gut and the person.”
