Kidd: We Surprised Ourselves in '02

Jason Kidd, late of the Nets, talks to Ohm Youngmisuk, late of the beat writers who covered him, about the Finals which begin Tuesday night in Miami. In the process, he talks about his first two trips to the NBA's ultimate series back in 2002 and 2003 and how they impacted his decision to leave.

"When you go back-to-back, you feel like you will be able to go back every other year," Kidd said in the interview with ESPN New York. "I didn't think it would be a drought as long as it has been."

The first time, when the Nets were swept by the Lakers, was a big surprise to everyone...including the Nets themselves. "I think we were even more surprised that we got to the Finals."  The second time was different, he tells Youngmisuk. The Nets expected to win.

As for his traumatic 2008 trade, he said it about getting back to the Finals and ownership. "There was no guarantee. Just knowing the direction under Cuban, he wants to win and he would never sit pat. It is two different franchises in different moments in different directions."

• Kidd grateful for latest shot at NBA title - Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN New York