The Return of J-Kidd

This from Devin Harris' wiki page "Devin Lamar Harris (born February 27, 1983, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American basketball player for the New Jersey Nets." at 2:39pm on 2/13. Hurray for the immediate news cycle we now live in. Before this trade is done, it is done.

ESPN: "Although sources say that the teams are still sorting out final details, this deal was described as "imminent" by multiple sources close to the process after negotiations moved to an advanced stage Tuesday night. The deal -- salvaged from talks on a three-way trade with Portland that developed and fizzled quickly two weeks ago -- has Dallas sending 24-year-old point guard Devin Harris, veteran swingman Jerry Stackhouse, the expiring contracts of center DeSagana Diop and swingman Devean George and guard Maurice Ager to New Jersey for Kidd and forward Malik Allen. "

Devin, Diop, George, Mo and Stack for Kidd and Malik Allen.

I don't like this trade. I don't like getting 10 years older at the 1 spot. Even though Kidd is an upgrade over Devin, Devin is really good and has taken a huge step forward this season after being given the big contract extension. Devin Harris kills Tony Parker. This team was developed in order to beat the Spurs, and this team would beat the Spares in a 7 game series. I have total faith in that. I think that this team, pre trade, is a championship calliber team. Apparently Donnie Nelson doesn't. I hate making a panic move. The Lakers and Suns add big names but Shaq is 50 years old and a terrible fit for their scheme, Pau is soft and has never won a playoff game - not series....GAME! in his life. The Mavs may have opened the window a little larger for themselves this year, but they slammed it shut 3 years from now.

I don't like loosing Diop, who plays D on Duncan better than almost anyone in the league. The Lakers and Suns just added bigs and we're now stuck with Erica Dampier, and .... Ju Ho?? Bass who would stomped by Shaq... Malik Allen - who apparently is an professional basketball player?

I hate losing Stack. He gives us scoring and toughness off the bench. The Nets may buy him out - and I assume that there is a tacit agreement in place for this deal to go through that the Nets will buy out Stack's contract and he will return to the Mavs after 30 days.

Lets look at the crux of this deal... Kidd and Devin.

While Mr Triple Double is approaching is 35th year on earth, he's still a great, GREAT point guard.

Kidd's passing ability is legendary but his rebounding is his most remarkable skill. Last season he set a modern era record for short guy rebouding, grabbing 13.2 % of his teams boards, while his rate is down slightly this year (12.6) it is still the good for 4th on the list.

The Nets are not a very good team, they have been outscored by 3.6 points per 100 possesions with Kidd on the floor. With Kidd sitting on the bench they have been outscored by 10.6 pp100p. With Kidd on the floor the Nets have scored an average of 105.6 pp100p, without Kidd just 96.8.

Despite Kidd's defensive rep, he has lost at least half of step over the years. He now longer has the footspeed to stay in front of the quickest guards. He can switch onto big SG's ... Kobe?

Kidd however has always been a poor shooter, and is having a really bad season shooting the ball. The Nets as a team shoot much better when Kidd's on the floor than not (47.8% - 44.9%)

** Question from JJ, "How were the Nets able to acquire Kidd for Stephon Marbary, and we have to give up sooooo much for an older Kidd who's now about to be past his prime???"

Kidd's not the problem...in two years Kidd's the problem.

Devin is one of the best young PG's in the league. He's a human blur, he consistantly gets to the rack -- something Kidd doesn't do -- and he's actually an elite defender. He's a solid passer, but a great drive and dish PG who's just getting better.

If Dirk was three years older I think this move makes sense (like Pheonix adding an old Shaq to team with old Nash...didn't we not sign Nash because we didn't want an old PG?!??!?!?!?!?????) Dallas was set to make a run over the next 4-6 years but now we're just looking at the next 1-2 years.

If we win a ring this year the deal is ok. But there will always be the what if's with Devin making East All-Star teams over the next decade and in 2 years when JJB is our starting PG all we can do is look to the rafters, reflect, and then ponder why we are now wasting the last few years of Dirk and Josh's prime.