ducks
12-04-2004, 01:13 PM
Kidd practices for first time since knee surgery
December 3, 2004
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Jason Kidd practiced with the New Jersey Nets on Friday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in July and could play as soon as Monday.
Kidd will practice at least once more before making his season debut, possibly at home against Toronto.
``The plan is to try and play on Monday,'' Kidd said. ``Get another practice in on Sunday and go from there.''
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Nets officials said earlier in the week that Kidd might play Saturday night against Atlanta, but the All-Star guard said that wouldn't happen.
``We are going to continue to follow orders from the doctors and therapists and everybody will be involved in the process,'' said coach Lawrence Frank, whose Nets are off to a 3-12 start. ``We are not going to do anything to put him in a possible negative situation.''
The 34-year-old Kidd had surgery on July 1 and went through a lengthy rehabilitation before participating in his first scrimmage Friday.
Kidd hasn't played a game since he was scoreless in the Nets' loss to the Pistons in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 20. He admitted he was rusty on Friday.
New Jersey is in last place in the Atlantic Division and is also last in scoring (81.7) and assists (16.1) and next-to-last in field goal percentage (40.4).
Kidd should raise those numbers whenever he returns to the Nets. He's led the NBA in assists the last two seasons, and made New Jersey one of the most formidable offensive teams in the league.
But the Nets' have a much different look and playing style than in prior years.
The offseason trades of Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles led to the Nets becoming less explosive and more halfcourt oriented. Those moves also changed Kidd's desire to stay with the Nets.
Kidd reportedly wants to be traded to a contending team in the Western Conference. But he wouldn't address whether his reason for playing after taking part in just two practices is to get dealt sooner.
``My mind-set has always been to get healthy and get back and play,'' Kidd said. ``Whatever happens, happens after that. The big thing is trying to come back and get some wins and try to play at a high level and try to get the team going in the right direction.''
December 3, 2004
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Jason Kidd practiced with the New Jersey Nets on Friday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in July and could play as soon as Monday.
Kidd will practice at least once more before making his season debut, possibly at home against Toronto.
``The plan is to try and play on Monday,'' Kidd said. ``Get another practice in on Sunday and go from there.''
ADVERTISEMENT
Nets officials said earlier in the week that Kidd might play Saturday night against Atlanta, but the All-Star guard said that wouldn't happen.
``We are going to continue to follow orders from the doctors and therapists and everybody will be involved in the process,'' said coach Lawrence Frank, whose Nets are off to a 3-12 start. ``We are not going to do anything to put him in a possible negative situation.''
The 34-year-old Kidd had surgery on July 1 and went through a lengthy rehabilitation before participating in his first scrimmage Friday.
Kidd hasn't played a game since he was scoreless in the Nets' loss to the Pistons in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 20. He admitted he was rusty on Friday.
New Jersey is in last place in the Atlantic Division and is also last in scoring (81.7) and assists (16.1) and next-to-last in field goal percentage (40.4).
Kidd should raise those numbers whenever he returns to the Nets. He's led the NBA in assists the last two seasons, and made New Jersey one of the most formidable offensive teams in the league.
But the Nets' have a much different look and playing style than in prior years.
The offseason trades of Kenyon Martin and Kerry Kittles led to the Nets becoming less explosive and more halfcourt oriented. Those moves also changed Kidd's desire to stay with the Nets.
Kidd reportedly wants to be traded to a contending team in the Western Conference. But he wouldn't address whether his reason for playing after taking part in just two practices is to get dealt sooner.
``My mind-set has always been to get healthy and get back and play,'' Kidd said. ``Whatever happens, happens after that. The big thing is trying to come back and get some wins and try to play at a high level and try to get the team going in the right direction.''