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Jason Kidd's debut big news out of summer league

By Net Income
Brooklyn Nets

Jason Kidd finally gets a chance to do what head coaches do Sunday. Although the Orlando Summer League will feature a number of the top draft picks and second year players, Kidd's debut will take center stage. He knows it but is taking it, as they say, one game at a time. The game will be televised on NBA TV starting at 5 p.m.

"This is a process, a learning process for the first game," Kidd said. "Just like in practice, I’m going to look and see, pick guys in the position to be successful, offensively and defensively. Correct if guys do something wrong and applaud if they do something right."

All eyes will be on how much he runs things and how much influence Lawrence Frank will have. Kidd has said he'll let others have a role in designing and running plays."if someone has something to bring to the table, I don’t mind having them draw it up.’’ he's said. Is that such a good idea? Mitch Lawrence thinks not.

Writing about the rookie coaches, the Daily News columnist opines,

"He should know from experience that he needs to be the only voice in the huddle, unlike what was going on during timeouts in the playoff collapse against Chicago when everyone had a say. Unless it’s an assistant making a recommendation, Kidd shouldn’t hang a suggestion box on his office door. Now more than ever he needs to remember: Players play and coaches coach."

Kidd understands it's a learning process. "Make or miss, for this week, I'm looking to see what works and what doesn't work."

The 19-year-veteran also said his teams will not be pressing the officials about calls.

“It’s no different than when I was a player,” Kidd said. “You respect the officials. My guys will respect the officials. Our goal is to get them not to complain to the officials. Sometimes out of habit or reaction you do, but if they do it’ll be a quick second and then move on. It’s just to respect them like I did as a player.”

Who starts tonight in the 5 p.m. game? It's like to be Tyshawn Taylor, Tornike Shengelia, Mason Plumlee, Damion James and David Lighty. But Coach Kidd hasn't said.

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