Jason Kidd was known for being a good decision maker as a point guard, and we’ll find out pretty quickly what kind of decision maker as a head coach.
The New York Daily News is reporting that Kidd has designated shooting guard Joe Johnson as his late game closer. That’s right folks, the richest non superstar you’ll ever meet has been pegged by Kidd to take the final shot at the end of games.
For all the flak Johnson catches, he actually is a pretty efficient closer. Johnson went nine for 10 in clutch moments last season (when the game was within three points with 24 seconds or less).
Kidd explained his decision in analytical terms.
“If you’re into analytics, you look at Joe Johnson as the clear cut as the guy taking the last-second shot,” Kidd said. “He was 9-for-10 with 24 seconds or less. SO that would be your guy who is the closer.”
Still, Kidd admitted that even if he draws up a play for Johnson, it won’t always be Johnson that takes the shot. We saw how that broke down in Game 3 of the first-round loss to the Bulls. (hint: CJ Watson airball).“But the game of basketball is such that you draw up a play for one player, most of the time it doesn’t end up with that one guy taking the shot. He creates a problem, which results to one of teammates getting a wide-open look. Make-or-miss, it’s the right basketball play. For us, it’s about making the right basketball play at the end. But if you’re looking at stats, which a lot of you people do, Joe Johnson’s name comes first. … He’s a guy who delivers. He loves that stage at the end of having the ball and making the right play.”