8:18pm: There are two new names to add to the Suns’ coaching search, according to Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic (Twitter link). The team had talks this week with Toronto assistant Nick Nurse and Pelicans associate head coach Chris Finch.
8:00pm: The Suns have completed their first round of coaching interviews, and Jason Kidd is among the candidates who have been eliminated, tweets John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 in Phoenix. He adds that the organization is currently informing all the interviewees of their current status.
Phoenix wrapped up the first stage of its coaching search this week, talking to ex-Hornets head coach Steve Clifford today and Spurs assistant James Borrego on Thursday.
Kidd has a 183-190 record in four and a half seasons as head coach of the Nets and Bucks. He took Milwaukee to the playoffs twice before being fired in January with a 23-22 mark. The newly elected Hall of Famer spent five seasons in Phoenix during his playing career.
Kidd would have been a good coach for Payton had they re-signed him. Payton reminds me of a poor man’s version of Kidd. The Suns’s job is so risky to take because you just don’t know what roster you will be inheriting next season, they could easily nab the number 1 pick and move it for a player like Porzingis or Kawhi.
Kids isn’t NBA coaching material. I’m not sure how this whole “Kidd should be a coach” thing started, but it hasn’t worked out.
I don’t understand why Kidd got to skip the assistant coach step in the process of becoming a Head Coach. Patrick Ewing should be shaking his head. I don’t know if Ewing would be a good coach or not, but I would take a shot on him over Kidd. He has more than paid his dues.
It’s time for Kidd to turn to the college ranks. He’s done in the NBA.