New Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd joined ESPN’s The Jump on Wednesday to discuss his time with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, as well as what’s in store for his relationship with Luka Doncic in Dallas.
Asked about what he was focused on helping Doncic improve on, Kidd replied, “My job is to help make the game easier for him. Understanding the game within the game. Understanding how to get guys going, becoming a better leader.”
Kidd was also asked about Kristaps Porzingis. “Getting KP back to what he did in New York,” Kidd said. “Putting the ball on the floor, one dribble stop-and-pop… I remember a lotta highlights when he was putting the ball on someone’s head. So getting him back to that era in his basketball when he was having fun.”
We have more from around the Southwest Division:
- In part one of his offseason mailbag, The Athletic’s Will Guillory explored some of the big questions of the Pelicans’ offseason. One such question regarded whether the disappointing seasons of Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams were more about personal decline or bad fit with the team’s stars. Guillory maintained that Adams, who had trouble fitting in, has been serious about adding a three-point shot to extend his career, and that he’s been “shooting the snot out of the ball,” according to a source. But he also warns that Bledsoe could face boos at home if he’s still on the roster next season.
- Guillory also confirms that many believe Jacque Vaughn was the favorite for the Pelicans’ head coaching position before withdrawing, but that Willie Green won many in the front office over immediately upon his first meeting with them.
- In a piece for NOLA.com, Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark breaks down five prospects the Pelicans are likely to consider with the 10th pick in the draft. Clark quotes executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin on the need to improve the roster construction: “We need to make the pieces fit a little bit better. I think you could all see that this was a rather wonky group at times.” Clark names Corey Kispert, Trey Murphy, Moses Moody and others, in a clear sign that wing shooting is going to be at a premium for New Orleans
Pelicans won’t make playoffs without trading away Ingram.
Dealing Bledsoe and 10 for a player doesn’t mean much to me.
How about to the Knicks for the 32?
DeAaron Fox and Harrison Barnes for Brandon Ingram and Eric Bledsoe
Fox (22) is from NO and his X factor speed along with Zion amazing athleticism would make an insanely exciting duo. Throw in the fact Barnes can play either the 3/4 spot around Zion, is an alright defender and shooter to provide spacing and is a handy role player.
For the kings Ingram is an all star at only 23 who gets better and better every season and so easy to build around. Bledsoe a former all defensive teams guard can share the point guard role with young Haliburton.
The Pelicans could then even sign and trade Lonzo Ball for Lauri Markeneen. Ball ends up in a good spot for him with Zach LaVine and Vuce. Markeneen would be a great 4/5 that can give you even more spacing for around Zion and Fox.
It would be a win win for Pelicans and Kings
The only reason Adams could be considered a disappointment was because they had unrealistic expectations in the first place. He was always overrated in OKC simply because he played with KD and Westbrook. Maybe if he can add 3-point shooting to his repertoire then Adams can salvage his NBA career. Otherwise he will go extinct with all the other old-school centers who can’t shoot threes.
Even if he adds somewhat of a 3pt shot I believe that fact that he is a big bruiser who can’t move is what really hurts him. In the playoffs he is damn near unplayable because he can’t guard the P&R or perimeter. I don’t think he will go extinct because every team needs a Steve adams for the regular season.
So why spend $17.5M on a guy who only plays during the regular season?
Although it makes sense for the Pelicans since they won’t make the playoffs anyway.
He’s great in the locker room and as a team mate. He’s one of the best screeners in the league and he’s pretty good boxing out and either getting the board himself or for others like Russ.
If he can add a three point shot that would be great. But I think he’s always going to have a place in this league cause of how good a team mate he is and the strength he has. Everyone likes him and everyone knows how strong he is .