I’ve never been a big fan of Peter Vecsey; half the time I think he’s making stuff up like that reporter on “The Wire.” But he has some thoughts on why the Mavs traded for Kidd, and it has to do with Avery Johnson’s distaste for Dirk Nowitzki as a leader.
According to an infallible source, the Mavericks’ coach pressed team owner Mark Cuban to deal Dirk after the NBA’s MVP came up shamefully small against the Warriors in last season’s upsetting first-round elimination, but was overruled.
Johnson’s ideal leader is supposed to offer positive guidance and counsel on and off the court, as well as in and out of church. That disqualifies Kidd. Still, one sphere of influence is better than none. Convinced a championship is otherwise beyond capture, Avery compromised his primary concern.
Kidd, of course, will provide a stronger presence than Harris, meaning A.J. will allow him to be the PG instead of trying to be it himself. Therefore, the players will have more comfort and confidence in the PG.
If it’s true, that’s pretty ballsy of Avery, to ask Cuban to deal Nowitzki.
