As the Mavericks enter their first full season with Jason, it is becoming increasingly clear that he will be the center of Dallas’ on-court universe.
Not only is coach Rick Carlisle implenting a more motion-oriented offense to make use of No. 2’s ball handling and playmaking skills, but the impact of J-Kidd’s experience is being relied on heavily for defense as well.
The Star Telegram reports:
"Rick Carlisle was asked Tuesday about some of the former regime’s playbook that he might keep. He began the answer with defense. He ended it by saying, ‘We have to take advantage from the things that Jason can do for us.’"
Even J-Kidd’s teammates were in on the action:
"Dirk Nowitzki was asked about the first day of practice. He talked a little about the practice schedule and defense, but again, managed to steer the conversation back to Kidd."
TIME TO RUN
When Carlisle interviewed for the Dallas helming job, Cuban told him he wanted a running game. Carlisle’s reply said it all. As Cuban explained
"He said, `You have Jason Kidd, and I never had a Jason Kidd before…and that made me think he would like to have Jason Kidd."
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Mavericks aren’t Kidd-ing themselves about offense (Star-Telegram, Oct 1st, 2008)
http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/944318.html