Jason Kidd has been criticized this season for his shortcomings as a first-year head coach, but he pulled out an ultimate veteran move on Wednesday.
Kidd’s Brooklyn Nets were trailing the Los Angeles Lakers 96-94, and Jodie Meeks was at the free throw line for his second attempt. The Nets were out of timeouts, but Kidd wanted a second to draw up a final play for his team.
Following Meeks’ first free throw, Kidd instructed Tyshawn Taylor to bump into him so that he would intentionally spill the drink he was holding. Taylor obliged, and Kidd spilled part of his drink on the floor. The referees thought it was an innocent mistake and had someone come out to clean up the mess.
Not only did Kidd then have a chance to meet with some of his players, but he also caused a delay between free throws — kind of like icing Meeks. He didn’t get an official timeout, but close to it.
Kidd’s tactics didn’t work out — Meeks made the free throw and Paul Pierce missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer — but it was a genius trick he pulled out of his hat.
This is actually nothing new for Kidd. Last year he stuck his leg out to draw a foul on a 3-pointer against the Nets and got the call. Three years ago he ran into Mike Woodson during a Mavericks-Hawks game that resulted in a technical called on Woodson and an extra free throw for the Mavs.
Kidd may have a lot to learn about making adjustments and coaching in terms of day-to-day preparation, but when it comes to in-game tactics, few are sharper than he is.
