Jason Kidd looked to be not long for the NBA coaching ranks back in December.
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Jason Kidd played for Mike Woodson last year and Joe Johnson spent four seasons being the main focus on offense for Woodson in Atlanta.
So it was not surprising that their reactions to Woodson being fired by the Knicks were tinged with some sadness.
“That’s a part of the job and it’s unfortunate,” Kidd said. “He’s a great coach and a great person so I wish him the best of luck.”
Even though Kidd’s skills were diminished last season, he was among those credited with helping the Knicks win 54 games.
“It was great,” Kidd said. “We had a great run.”
Johnson had some of the similar success with Woodson in Atlanta. When he joined the Hawks in a sign-and-trade from the Suns, the team had lost 69 games. But once Woodson made him the focal point, they won 47 games and 53 games in their final two seasons together.
“[It’s] part of the business,” Johnson said. “I’m sure coach Woodson knows this. I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him, but I’m sure I will at some point. I wish him the best. I’m sure he’ll get another job somewhere. I wish him the best. He was a great guy for me who really brought out the best in me. I had some great years under coach Woodson. And he was a guy who really put the ball in my hands and told me to make plays so he means a lot to me.”
Follow Nets beat writer Larry Fleisher on Twitter @LarryFleisher.
