Ahead of the first matchup between the two teams this season, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke about the Knicks‘ public desire to interview him for their head coach vacancy this summer, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic.
Kidd confirmed the summer reporting that Dallas denied the Knicks’ request to interview him, but added that it wouldn’t have mattered either way.
“I was never thinking about leaving Dallas,” Kidd said. “Understanding that we have a lot of work here to be done. I’m all in to be able to do that. I was drafted here. I have won here. I love the city. I love the fans. It never crossed my mind to leave Dallas.”
Reports during the Knicks’ coaching search suggested that there was mutual interest between Kidd and New York, which was the Hall of Fame point guard’s final stop in his playing career. However, that interest ultimately didn’t lead anywhere, as Kidd ended up signing a multi-year extension with the Mavs a month after the Knicks hired Mike Brown.
That’s not to say that Kidd didn’t appreciate the pursuit, though.
“I think it’s safe to say we all enjoy being wanted,” Kidd said. “That was a nice touch.”
This is the fifth season Kidd has spent as the head coach of the Mavs. He holds a record of 183-160 in that time, with a run to the NBA Finals in 2024 standing out as the high point of his tenure in Dallas.
I never believed this. I guess there is no harm in asking. I always wanted Malone. Not anti Brown. But so far I can see he is more a follower. Thibs was more a lone wolf. That doesn’t wear well with time. After all the coach of the team has bosses. In NY we are just not Dolan people. Writers, media, and specially social media. Always use the Knicks and NY to peddle their noise.
Good to see Jalen back. But just terrible to see them look for Jalen to bail them out. Dallas didn’t even have Cooper or AD. Not a good look for Knicks. Not a fan of Mitch and Towns playing major mins. Knicks biggest issue on D last year. Was their perimeter defense. And this year it’s still the same issue. Towns worst part of his game. Is perimeter defense. So making him play more perimeter D is not helping the team. This Knicks D was built around OG and Bridges. Brown is figuring that out. Cause Bridges is getting the most mins. Even though his offense is not there yet. Don’t know how long I can say. We need Bridges to be more aggressive on offense. I mean , you can’t put up 22 on Dallas.
Jalen 11/23, Towns 6/16, Bridges 7/13. McBride 4/12 with 2 ast. Bridges has to look for his shot more. And McBride has to look to pass more.
Agreed. Bridges needs to more aggressive offensively.
Just say that you thought about it until you won Flagg.