New Orleans Pelicans: The Pros and Cons of Jason Kidd as Head Coach

New Orleans Pelicans: Pros and Cons of Jason Kidd: The Los Angeles Factor

The Los Angeles Factor

Jason Kidd is from California and is currently the Lakers’ assistant head coach after being handpicked by LeBron James.

Pro: LeBron being in his corner does lend Kidd some additional credibility. LeBron lobbied hard for Kidd, which shows that Kidd still has some sway among the league’s veterans. If one of the greatest players of all time wants you, that matters to other players. LeBron’s backing is probably a big reason that Kidd is being considered for a job anywhere.

Con: When LA hired Kidd to be Vogel’s assistant, everyone thought it was just a matter of time before he took over. If Vogel had faltered at all, Kidd was lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce on his job. This makes me wonder if Kidd would stay in New Orleans long term. What if he was successful? Is he going to jump ship to LA? The Lakers job is one of the most coveted in sports and Kidd could just use the Pelicans to get leverage.

Pro: Kidd spent the last year under Frank Vogel, who has been successful everywhere he’s coached. He’s a solid X’s and O’s guy and Kidd could probably learn a lot about game management and play calling from Vogel. The Lakers are one of the best teams in the league, a title favorite and Kidd will be on the bench for their entire run.

Con: The Pelicans don’t have a lot of time here. The NBA Lottery is August 20th and the draft in the middle of October. Kidd would likely still be in Orlando with the Lakers, as they are sure to make a deep run in the playoffs. It may not even be possible to interview Kidd, as he is quarantined in the bubble. For Kidd to be the choice, David Griffin would have almost had to have decided it before the restart.