Jason Kidd Moves Into 4th Place All-Time in Assists

Dallas.

The Kidd watch is back.

With a nifty pass to Dallas Mavericks teammate Josh Howard in the first quarter of their game against the Portland Trailblazers, Jason Kidd passed legend Oscar Robertson (9,887) for fourth place on the all-time assist ladder. Yahoo.com reports that Robertson was the career leader in assists when he hung up his sneakers in 1974.

Up next is Kidd's idol, Earvin Magic Johnson (10,141) whom Kidd could also surpass based on his current 8.3 assists per game average. Early next season, J-Kidd can move into second place on career assists by passing Mark Jackson (10,334).

It is interesting however if the soon to be 36 year-old Jason Kidd will play long enough to break the all-time record set by the Utah Jazz' John Stockton (15,806).

Kidd finished the game with 10 assists.

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What the issue of trading means to some coaches

Sometimes it pays to make things work between a player and a coach.

Take for example the Chris Webber and Head Coach Don Nelson fiasco awhile back in GSW. Sure, Nellie is back as their Head Coach, but he no longer wields the administrative powers that he once did. As for Webber, well...let's just say that http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifthe sun has certainly set on his career.

Now what do some coaches think?

Philadelphia Daily News Phil Jasner wrote:

"I'm not in the business of wanting to trade players. I think it's better that they get a chance to learn each other," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said.

"We make mistakes with that. That's coaching. The game of basketball is a game of mistakes. Usually, the team that makes the fewest has a chance to win."

Sloan also told this story: "When I was in Chicago, they once traded a player for money. Coach [Dick] Motta took out a $1 bill and threw it on the court. He said, 'Money can't rebound for me.'

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NBA Gems (This early into the NBA 07'-08' Season)

The Scintillating Six:

1) Brendan Haywood (Wizards) - With the exit of his arch rival (Etan Thomas) due to open heart surgery, the center spot of the Washington Wizards belongs solely to Haywood and he hasn't disappointed by coming up with the first three game double-double of his career. Brendan is currently averaging 10 markers, 13.7 boards, and 3 rejections per game.

2) John Salmons (Kings)- With Mike Bibby out with an injured thumb and Ron Artest serving a seven game suspension, someone had to step up. Enter John Salmons and his 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Now I know why he turned down that deal with the Raptors to sign with the Kings last year :)

3) Kelenna Azubuike (Warriors) - Hard surname to spell but his game is everywhere with 20 points and 1.7 3's per game. Golden State coach Don Nelson loves Azubuike's work ethic and this bodes well for Kelenna, especially when Stephen Jackson returns from his seven game suspension (that was imposed by the NBA following his guilty plea to a felony charge of criminal recklessness for firing a gun into the air outside an Indianapolis club).

4) Carlos Delfino (Raptors) - Finally free of the Motor City's overcrowded backcourt, this native of Santa Fe, Argentina is making Toronto Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo an early candidate for GM of the Year with averages of 7.7 points, 5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2 steals, and 1.7 3 pointers made per contest.

5) Ronnie Brewer (Jazz) - A first-round pick of the Utah Jazz a season ago (he went 14th), Brewer has supplanted Gordan Giricek as the team's starting SG to the tune of 16 points and 2.8 steals through four games.

6) Al Horford (Hawks) - Taken with the 3rd pick in the 07' Draft that featured Oden and Durant. Florida's Al Horford needs to early shake off foul trouble (4 fouls in less than 4 minutes into the second half of their opening night game against the Dallas Mavericks) and make the most of his minutes on the floor while Atlanta Hawks center--Zaza Pachulia--is out (until mid-November with a sprained knee).

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John Starks: My Life (Hardcover)

Category: Books
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Author: John Starks and Dan Markowitz

Outside of Patrick Ewing, former CBA veteran John Starks is probably one of the most recognizable figures in New York sports during the 90's. In his book, Starks talks about his humble beginnings--moving from four different college academic programs to making it to the New York Knicks on a technicality (as injured players can't be cut from their teams, John attempted to dunk of Patrick Ewing during the pre-season in 88' and got hurt in the process).

Through his words, Starks shares the will, desire, and tenacity which made him one of the most exciting and controversial players to ever play in the NBA. Starks shares stories that made him the most decorated guard to ever come out of the CBA with accolades such as the winning a spot on the NBA All-Star team and the 6th Man of the year award. He also talks about his horrible game 7 performance in the 1994 NBA finals as well as the trials and tribulations which he and a number of his family members had to go through.

If your a fan of the NBA, this is certainly one ride you wouldn't want to miss! Get your copy today!