Would Jason Kidd improve Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Lakers?

March 29 09

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: The growing sense in Dallas is that there are only two threats to the Mavericks’ hopes of re-signing Jason Kidd this summer.

1. Kobe Bryant convincing big-guard-loving Phil Jackson and the Lakers to make a run at his dear friend Kidd with L.A.’s mid-level exception.

2. LeBron James convincing the Cavs to make a run at his dear friend Kidd with their mid-level exception. (ESPN Weekend Dime)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Would Jason Kidd improve Cleveland or Los Angeles?

The Lakers and Cavaliers are set at the one-spot and bringing in an established veteran over the summer, even somebody such as Kidd who makes those around him better, could upset chemistry.

Both sides already have excellent point guards. In his first year next to LeBron James, Mo Williams has averaged 18 points and 4 assists per game and was named an All-Star. And L.A.’s Derek Fisher does everything well. He scores, defends, provides leadership, and clicks with teammates and coaches.

Kidd certainly wouldn’t hurt. After all, pass-first table-setters with Hall of Fame credentials are rare. But he wasn’t an instant fit in Dallas and it would take time to adjust to the Lakers’ triple-post system and playing off of James.

But Kidd has never been a strong perimeter shooter, so opponent’s could leave him and double-team James or Bryant. Keep in mind Williams and Fisher regularly knock down open shots and punish cheating defenders.

They’ll have bigger priorities come summer. Anderson Varejao will opt-out of his current pact with Cleveland and seek a significant raise, while L.A. will need their mid-level exception to re-sign unrestricted free agents Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom.

Cleveland and Los Angeles are the NBA’s top two teams. Signing Kidd would look good, but doesn’t necessarily make either team better.

Should the Cavalier and Lakers target Kidd this summer? Are they better off with Williams and Fisher? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Xue891.

12 Comments: Would Jason Kidd improve Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles (...)

Posted by
Dror Blu4
on 04.2.2009

As much as I love Jason Kidd as a player, you’re right, he wouldn’t fit in LA or the Cavs. The Lakers have fisher and jordan farmar as a sub (so no need for a PG sub). And Cavs would just bench him, and rightly so (with Mo). .

Posted by
Berry
on 04.1.2009

L.A and Cleveland WILL NEVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP even if they are over the cap in exces of $20 + million just like what they are already doing! .

Posted by
God
on 03.30.2009

Cleveland should get him for one last run at the Championship before Lebron James goes to New York. .

Posted by
Bananaman
on 03.30.2009

I agree with Oly. I think that Jason Kidd would not be much of a big help for these two teams. Cleveland needs more of a shooter rather that pa-------first point guard, which is already working for them. This is the same with Lakers and Derek also provides a lot of intangibles to the team. I know that Jason Kidd has a lot of talent and can still make an impact to any team that he will be playing with. But, I think that Jason Kidd will be a perfect fit for running teams (e.g. NY, GS).On the other side, it would be interesting to see LBJ and Jason Kidd together in NY playing under D’Antoni.Cheers!!! .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 03.30.2009

Hi ... Thanks for commenting. Kidd is a decent weakside shooter. That is the best I can say. Most teams are happy to leave or slouch off him to double. Personally, at this stage, I would rather have Fisher and Williams, at least, as my shooters. Of course, Kidd does other things and is still a good PG. Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by

on 03.30.2009

This assessment in sort of inaccurate. Jason Kidd has become a very good weak side 3 point shooter. He is precisely the type of shooter that can make a team pay for double teaming Kobe or Lebron. Don’t go on his career reputation...go on the stats. Kidd is a very capable stand still shooter. Also, lets keep in mind, that the Mavs have no high flyers, except G.Green who doesn’t get to play. Kidd still has the ability to pa-------and hit players like Kobe and Lebron with sweet lob passes. .

Posted by
Dr. Hoop
on 03.29.2009

Jason Kidd has never been overrated in his career. Sure Dallas gave up too much to acquire him, but that is their mistake. Kidd doesn’t fit well with either team for two main reasons: 1) what Jason Kidd brings to the table the Cavs and the Lakers already have; 2) What the Cavs and the Lakers need to solidify their teams, Kidd does not provide. The triangle offense does not require a table setting PG, it requires 5 smart players who can knock down open shots. Kidd’s basketball IQ is unquestioned but the same cannot be said about his jumper. The Cavs need a legit second scoring option. Yes Mo can put up points but I personally don’t like the idea of my PG being the second scoring option. With that being said a second scoring option is needed and that is not something Kidd provides. .

Posted by

on 03.29.2009

Even when Kidd was in Jersey he was still overrated SON! .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 03.29.2009

Hi overseas: Thanks for reading and commenting. I don’t think Kidd was overrated. For a long stretch, he was the game’s best point guard, a legit MVP candidate, and a guy who could control the game without scoring. Plus, he is probably the best rebounding PG of all time. He was great, now, however, he is good. Still thanks, for commenting. Get at me with thoughts on this if you like. .

Posted by
Overseas
on 03.29.2009

Kidd has always been totally overrated .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 03.29.2009

Hi no-name: the other concern with Kidd is that he’ll need adjustment time. Remember, Payton never clicked with P-Jax’s system that year in LA. and the Lakers ended up really using Fisher instead. Just a thought ... Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by

on 03.29.2009

I think it would definitely not be helpful for the lakers because Jason Kidd doesnt have any Jthats why they call him Ason Kidd.In triangle offense, the priority is to pa-------and make open shots for everyone. They really dont need anyone to dribble down the court, create opening and make open shot opportunities. In triangle offense, you really dont need a all-star passer, because everyone tries to make open shot opportunities through continual passing. Which means that jason kidd can’t hold the ball for long time to create an effective passing opportunities. Maybe players like Billups would benefit but not Kidd. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Would Jason Kidd improve Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Lakers?

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