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Coaches talk CupGate ... and how to do it without getting fined

By Net Income
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Loughery coached the Nets in the ABA, then made a career in the NBA. Del Harris has spent decades as an assistant coach and head coach in the NBA. Mike Dantoni is the head coach of the Lakers. Each has an opinion about Jason Kidd's decision to spill some coke on the floor of the Barclays Center.

Their opinions differ, but no one is really that shocked either because it's part of the coaching toolkit or Kidd is clever.

"There are different ways you can do it. You can have the players spill it. You can have one of the ballboys do it," Loughery told Stefan Bondy, speaking from experience. "They can't fine the ballboys, I don't think."

What might Loughery have told a ballboy?

"'Just pour some water on the floor.' He really had no idea what I was talking about until he sees the results."

Harris thinks Kidd may have picked up the trick from him from, something both Mark Cuban and Toronto coach Dwane Casey believe as well. Kidd said he learned the trick from other coaches.

In February 2009, Harris, then a Bulls' assistant, spilled some water in an attempt to "ice" Dirk Nowitzki late in the game. It led to a delay but Nowitzki did what he usually does and made the shot. On the court: Jason Kidd.  Harris thinks Kidd overdid it in Brooklyn.

"Jason has got to understand that I have been a SAG member for 17 years," said Harris. "You have to learn how to look sorry for clumsiness instead of clever."

D'Antoni, who had a front row seat, didn't think Kidd's trick was "cool."

"I don’t think that’s very savvy or cool. I love Jason to death. He’s going to be a great coach. But you don’t do that," said the Laker coach.

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