Kidd Demands Byron Scott Fired!!!

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

July 10, 2003 -- In a bombshell demand to Nets ownership, Jason Kidd has asked the team to fire coach Byron Scott if they hope to keep him from jumping to the Spurs as a free agent, The Post has learned.

 

The All-Star point guard, according to several league sources, delivered his request during a midtown meeting Tuesday night with his agent, team owners and club president Rod Thorn.

 

Kidd and Thorn could not be reached for comment yesterday.

 

One source said that Kidd told Nets ownership his complaint stems from Scott's in-game coaching and that the removal of the second-winningest coach in franchise history is one way to prevent him from going to the San Antonio.

 

Kidd and Scott, on the surface, seemed to have a good working relationship. They are friendly and have golfed together, but during the season there were rumblings that Kidd disapproved of Scott's in-game decisions. After the Nets were ousted in Game 6 of the Finals by the Spurs in a game where Scott was criticized for his fourth-quarter adjustments, sources said Kidd told Nets brass his son "T.J. could have coached a better quarter."

 

"Jason expressed concerns, ranging from team personnel, to life after basketball to the current coaching situation," said one of the sources.

 

"This has been brewing for some time," maintained another source.

 

Scott, contacted last night, sounded stunned by the development.

 

"I have no reaction," said Scott, who won three title rings as a Laker player. "It surprises me."

 

Asked if he sensed any ill feelings or animosity from Kidd in their two years together, Scott quickly said, "No, not at all."

 

Scott's agent, Brian McInerney, who has been with the coach for 19 years, said last night that he spoke with Kidd's agent, Jeff Schwartz, after learning of the player's demands.

 

"I talked to Jeff Schwartz frequently and we both believe that whatever is decided should be decided in a professional manner and not in a public debate," McInerney said. "I doubt the validity of this meeting without an official comment from Rod Thorn. These releases harm the franchise, harm the players, harm players' families. Everything should only be released through Rod Thorn."

 

The Nets took the ultimatum very seriously but likely would not move against Scott until Kidd commits to stay. Team brass is expected to start reviewing possible coaching candidates, such as 2001-02 Coach of the Year Rick Carlisle, Mike Dunleavy, Doug Collins and Mike Fratello.

 

In addition to his demand on Scott, Kidd also wants an upgrade in talent, so the Nets are seeking to lock up his friend, free-agent center Alonzo Mourning.

 

Thorn had just returned from Miami, where he met with Mourning and his agent, Jeffrey Wechsler. The Nets feel strongly they can land Mourning for the mid-level exception, roughly $4.8 million, if Kidd stays. Yesterday, the path to Mourning became easier when Heat president and coach Pat Riley said he was not willing to go beyond one year for the center and it wou

[LooseCannon25 0]

Just when you think JAson Kidd is a good guy and pretty cool and the negative shit was wrong about him, he pulls a dickhead move like this. Great franshise player you are Kidd, and saying his little son could coach better than Scott is an insult. I mean Byron did make some mistakes in the series, but to make a comment like that about his big, bubble headed son being better is stupid. Try to work on getting the size of your kids head proportioned with the rest of his body instead of thinking you run the team

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

He's a smart business man and he knows that if he stays in Jersey, they will never win go all the way with Moron Scott at the helm. I, personally, have been calling for Moron's incompetence for a long time. He's a few tiers below Zeke and that's saying a lot.

[Guest starvenger]

He's a smart business man and he knows that if he stays in Jersey, they will never win go all the way with Moron Scott at the helm. I, personally, have been calling for Moron's incompetence for a long time. He's a few tiers below Zeke and that's saying a lot.

I tend to agree. Scott can get you to the finals, but he can't close the deal. I think it'll take his coaching a couple more teams before he can get to that point.

[Guest Youth N Asia]

Just when you think JAson Kidd is a good guy and pretty cool and the negative shit was wrong about him, he...

beats his wife?

[Guest Ripper]

First of all, you can't chastise Kidd for the "My son could have coached better" comments because it is from a source, not from his mouth.

 

As for Scott, his substitutions throughout the series were examples of the most incredibly bad coaching jobs I had ever seen in a series. When Aaron Williams and Dikembe Mutumbo were you only two productive big men, why was Jason Collins getting more minutes. Why were players that had great halfs or quarters not playing in the 4th. Why was Kerry Kittles and Richard Jefferson off the court so long on their ON offensive nights, but were never off the court on their off nights. He made mistakes that a 3 year old wouldn't make.

[LooseCannon25 0]

First of all, you can't chastise Kidd for the "My son could have coached better" comments because it is from a source, not from his mouth.

 

As for Scott, his substitutions throughout the series were examples of the most incredibly bad coaching jobs I had ever seen in a series. When Aaron Williams and Dikembe Mutumbo were you only two productive big men, why was Jason Collins getting more minutes. Why were players that had great halfs or quarters not playing in the 4th. Why was Kerry Kittles and Richard Jefferson off the court so long on their ON offensive nights, but were never off the court on their off nights. He made mistakes that a 3 year old wouldn't make.

Buddy, Mutombo was gone for most of the season and Jason Collins gave them many good games. Like i said, i know he did stupid things like leave Aaron Williams out. I wouldnt mind Scott leaving.....what i'm saying is that it's not right to DEMAND for someone to get fired. How would Kidd like it if Scott DEMANDED that he get released. thats all im saying. He could have made his feelings heard without being a prick about it.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

Hey, at least he was honest. The Nets desperately want to keep Kidd and he simply stated what it would take to keep him. There's nothing wrong with that! Shaq did the same thing here in LA about Kurt Rambis and he was gone the next season.

 

If Rod Thorn was smart, he'd cut his loses with Moron, who is in the last year of his contract and hire Rick Carlisle.

[Guest bob_barron]

As a Nets fan (if this is true) I say one thing-

 

Fuck you Jason Kidd. If you're going to be a primadonna little bitch- Go somewhere else. You have NO right to demand a coach whose given you the biggest success of your career gets fired.

 

Fuck you and see you in San Antonio.

 

Oh and one more thing-

 

I don't think it's Scott's fault the Nets lost to the Spurs- Maybe if you had shown up and played like you were supposed to- The Nets wouldn't have lost.

[Guest bob_barron]

Hey, at least he was honest. The Nets desperately want to keep Kidd and he simply stated what it would take to keep him. There's nothing wrong with that! Shaq did the same thing here in LA about Kurt Rambis and he was gone the next season.

 

If Rod Thorn was smart, he'd cut his loses with Moron, who is in the last year of his contract and hire Rick Carlisle.

If Rod Thorn was an idiot he would give into his demands- Don't let one player run the team- I'd rather have a great coach like Byron Scott then a primadonna point guard

[Guest AlwaysPissedOff]

And how would Rick do any better than Scott did? He was basically kicked out for many of the same things that Kidd wants Scott booted out for.

[Guest AlwaysPissedOff]

Why do the Spurs need Kidd anyway? I mean, hell, they need a reliable number 2 scorer more than they need a PG who can't shoot for shit.

[Guest bob_barron]

If Jason goes to San Antonio-

 

I hope he enjoys being under the microscope. In New Jersey- no one really cares about him

[Guest Tony149]

Why do the Spurs need Kidd anyway? I mean, hell, they need a reliable number 2 scorer more than they need a PG who can't shoot for shit.

The Spurs have been waiting a year to go after Kidd. I'm sure they think the world of Parker but they didn't expect him to play that well last season, with the exception of games 5 & 6 of the NBA Finals.

 

I would say the Spurs want Kidd as their court general. Parker, as good as he's been, has been shaky from time-to-time. That and they most likely feel Parker will get even better with Kidd around.

[Guest DrTom]

If Rod Thorn was smart, he'd cut his loses with Moron, who is in the last year of his contract and hire Rick Carlisle.

If Rod Thorn were smart, he'd tell Jason Kidd to fuck off and shove his demands up his ass. The LAST thing an executive should do is give in to a player's demands about the coach. There's no excuse for letting the inmates ruyn the asylum, which is exactly what Thorn would be doing if he gave in to Kidd's ludicrous demands. Preserve your franchise integrity and let the piece of shit play somewhere else.

[Guest Ripper]

First of all, you can't chastise Kidd for the "My son could have coached better" comments because it is from a source, not from his mouth. 

 

As for Scott, his substitutions throughout the series were examples of the most incredibly bad coaching jobs I had ever seen in a series.  When Aaron Williams and Dikembe Mutumbo were you only two productive big men, why was Jason Collins getting more minutes.  Why were players that had great halfs or quarters not playing in the 4th.  Why was Kerry Kittles and Richard Jefferson off the court so long on their ON offensive nights, but were never off the court on their off nights.  He made mistakes that a 3 year old wouldn't make.

Buddy, Mutombo was gone for most of the season and Jason Collins gave them many good games. Like i said, i know he did stupid things like leave Aaron Williams out. I wouldnt mind Scott leaving.....what i'm saying is that it's not right to DEMAND for someone to get fired. How would Kidd like it if Scott DEMANDED that he get released. thats all im saying. He could have made his feelings heard without being a prick about it.

Jason Collins did not play one quality game in the finals. his best game, I believe, he had 4 rebounds. One game he gave them 4 points. he had no blocks, he played no defense. While everyone was screaming about Parker eating kidd alive, go back and look at the replays and see who's man was setting the screens and who wasn't stepping out.

 

If a guy is giving you NOTHING and another guy is playing great, what do you do. Pop had Parker giving him nothing and Claxton playing well. Now are you saying that in game 6 he should have pulled the effective one because Claxton had been hurt all year and Parker had given them good games.

 

And bob, KIDD DIDN'T SHOW UP? His WORSE game in the playoffs was 12-9-9. That was the worse. In six games, he scored 30 twice. Scotts bad coaching cost them game 6 and game 5. And a argument can be made for game 1. Kidd was the only net playing in the 4th quarter of game six. The only 3 that were having good offensive games (williams, kittles and jefferson) were sitting besides Scott while Rodgers, Harris, Martin, and Collins were out there stinking it up.

 

It has been reported that Byron scott is extrememly stubborn. If your team is telling you that something helps them on the court, why would you not listen. Why should players have to plead with a coach on the sideline to put in a player that has been playing well. AND WHY DID SCOTT PULL HIS STARTERS WHEN HE WAS DOWN 6 POINTS WITH 20 SECONDS LEFT IN THE FINALS AGAINST THE LAKERS!!!!

 

okay, that was a year ago, but don't think something like that doesn't sit in the mind of the players.

 

Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles, Jason Kidd, Dikimbe Mutumbo, Aaron Williams, AND L. Harris have all said something about Byrons coaching style during the year. When the entire starting line-up and some of the bench are complaining about the coach when they are winning, then maybe they know what they are talking about.

 

Talk all the shit you want, if Jason leaves the Nets, you had better start scouting who they should take with the #1 pick the next year.

[Guest bob_barron]

Game 1- Kidd goes for 4-17

Game 3- Kidd goes for 6-19

Game 4- Kidd goes for 5-18

 

He played like ass in three games of the Finals (I missed most of Game 6) and did not play to the level that the Nets needed him too.

 

If the Nets think they have a very good reason to fire Byron Scott- then they should. But to fire him because Jason Kidd demands it as a bargaining ploy is ludicrous

[LooseCannon25 0]

First of all Tony Parker didnt eat Jason Kidd Alive in the finals.....he had some disgusting games my man......second, The Spurs i doubt will go after Kidd because they have Parker AND Speedy Claxton and they're high on BOTH and are both very young.....Third, i DONT wanna see Kidd leave the NEts because hes the reason they went to the finals 2 straight years, but he cant be doing shit like that.

[Guest Ripper]

Game 1- Kidd goes for 4-17

Game 3- Kidd goes for 6-19

Game 4- Kidd goes for 5-18

 

He played like ass in three games of the Finals (I missed most of Game 6) and did not play to the level that the Nets needed him too.

 

If the Nets think they have a very good reason to fire Byron Scott- then they should. But to fire him because Jason Kidd demands it as a bargaining ploy is ludicrous

Want to put the rebound, assist and steal totals next to that.

 

Kidd has to shoot that much because the nets don't run a offence really. They just run around and make erratic cuts and hope Jason finds them. Most of their offense is standing around. I attribute that to coaching.

 

And tom, if its one player with complaints, then you are right, don't listen to anything they say about coaching hiring/firing practices. If it is the whole team quietly grumbling then the free agent that doesn't HAVE to come back might just be him speaking up for the team. When I see a outpour of support coming from his other players, then I will say that this is going overboard (and remember, we haven't heard a thing from anyones mouth...only reports from sources.) but until then, Jason has proven to know his stuff about basketball and if he feel he can't succeed under a coach, then he might just be right.

[Guest Tony149]

Speedy's a free agent and will probably end up going else for a starting job, unless Kidd stays in NJ.

 

One thing I thought about; is it possible Kidd's only doing this because he's still torn between staying and going? Everything I read said Kidd didn't want to leave NJ out in the cold. Do you think he's demanding this with the idea being, they either do it, or I burn a bridge to take away the guilt I have for leaving?

[Guest Ripper]

Might be...or he might be telling the truth about the franchise. I remember when Nick Van Excel left the Lakers, he said "Dell harris is the cancer of that team...he will get them to the playoffs but they will never win a title with him coaching". They had Shaq, Elden Campbell, eddie jones, Kobe bryant, and Nick Van Excel STARTING with Horry and Fox coming off the bench and were getting swept and their asses handed to them. Well...Nick was right. Kidd could be saying the same thing here. He might be able to get to the finals, but he will get out coached everytime.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

Kidd is the heart and soul of that team and Eddie Jordan was the only coach on the club that knew what he was doing. Moron Scott was just riding on the coattails of Kidd. On the bright side, Moron can always find a job coaching the ine WNBA or the NBDL.

[Guest Dangerous A]

It's not Scott's fault the West is so loaded up and the East teams are doing nothing to upgrade themselves so they can be competitive.

 

I think this may ultimately hurt the team because while Kidd may feel this way about Scott, perhaps the team doesn't feel the way Kidd feels and that may isolate Kidd from his teammates some.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Kidd is the heart and soul of that team and Eddie Jordan was the only coach on the club that knew what he was doing. Moron Scott was just riding on the coattails of Kidd. On the bright side, Moron can always find a job coaching the ine WNBA or the NBDL.

Would you please shut the fuck up. At least Ripper comes into the discussion with valid arguments. All you do is call Scott... Moron. The only reason is because he played for the Lakers, don't tell me that you didn't mind certain Lakers. You could of cared less about Scott, if he played most of his career in Indiana or Sacramento.

[Guest Polish_Rifle]

Kidd is the heart and soul of that team and Eddie Jordan was the only coach on the club that knew what he was doing.  Moron Scott was just riding on the coattails of Kidd.  On the bright side, Moron can always find a job coaching the ine WNBA or the NBDL.

Would you please shut the fuck up. At least Ripper comes into the discussion with valid arguments. All you do is call Scott... Moron. The only reason is because he played for the Lakers, don't tell me that you didn't mind certain Lakers. You could of cared less about Scott, if he played most of his career in Indiana or Sacramento.

I was wondering where your were.

 

If I was a fan of the Nets, I would also demand for Moron's removal as their coach. They can survive without Moron but they can't sustain their stature without the heart and soul of their team, Jason Kidd.

[Guest razazteca]

I do not want Jason Kidd to play for the Spurs, I hope Kidd gets his way in New Jersey. Stay in the East, so your wife can continue working that job she enjoys so much.

[The Robfather 0]

Why didn’t Kidd make this demand while there were still a lot of coaches on the market? Strange.

 

My conspiracy theory for the day: Nets leaked this (false) story because they know they’ve lost Kidd to the Spurs. Now, they can latch on to an excuse for letting him go, that they didn’t want the inmates running the asylum.

Edited July 11, 2003 by The Robfather

[Guest razazteca]

Why didn’t Kidd make this demand while there were still a lot of couches on the market? Strange.

Lazy Boy

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

I don't agree with a player demanding his coach be fired for him to stay but if I'm Rod Thorn....well....bye Byron.

 

At the end of the day, there are other great coaches out there. There are no more Jason Kidds. And while Martin and Jefferson are both good players, they need help BADLY on getting a lot of their offense.

 

Regardless of what happens, Kidd is a fool if he plans on winning a championship in Jersey, it ain't gonna happen. Well unless the western conference quits and reforms the ABA.

[Guest razazteca]

Did the recently fired Pistons coach Rick something get a new job?