Nets' Kevin Garnett: 'I didn't know where I fit in' under Jason Kidd
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Garnett said he was unsure of his role last season under coach Jason Kidd, the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy and Justin Tasch report.
Garnett, 38, averaged career-lows in points (6.5 ppg) and minutes (20.5 mpg) during his first season in Brooklyn last year under Kidd.
“I know what to expect this year living in New York. Let me explain that,” Garnett launched. “Coming to the Brooklyn Nets and coming from Beantown, I didn’t really know what to expect the first year. Under Jason (Kidd), I didn’t know where I fit in. This year, coming in with a little more edge, a little more assertiveness, kind of deferring back to when I came into this league and what I’ve created for myself.”
Kidd left the Nets after one season to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason. The Nets hired former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins to replace Kidd.
• Kirilenko out at least a week with back injury
Several Nets have openly criticized Kidd since his departure. Andrei Kirilenko, who played a career-low 19 minutes per game last season, criticized Kidd after he left the team, saying he "couldn't handle" the pressure of coaching in New York. Joe Johnsontook a shot at Kidd's coaching during practice on media day when he said "we practiced, but, you know, not really."
The Nets reached the second round of the playoffs last season despite losing center Brook Lopez to a broken foot in December. In the offseason, Brooklyn lost Paul Pierce after he signed with the Washington Wizards.
Brooklyn opens the regular season on Oct. 7 against Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Nets start the regular season on Oct. 29 on the road against the Boston Celtics.
• JENKINS: Erik Spoelstra's rise with the Heat
- Paul Palladino
