DALLAS _ Delonte West used to emulate Jason Kidd so much when he was growing up that he sort of took over his name.
“They used to call me Little Kidd with the green eyes,’’ West said after Friday’s 102-76 win over Milwaukee. “I used to wear his shoes all the time.
“Coming into the league being a big guard, Gary Payton, I guess they grew up together (in Oakland) battling against each other. He used to tell me all the time I reminded him of Kidd.’’
While that my be true in some respects, West was mindful that Kidd has 105 triple-doubles and he doesn’t have any at all.
“Of course I’m still working on my first triple-double,’’ West said. “I told you I plan on playing 20 more years, so I’ve got a lot of time.
“That’s one of my biggest questions, how do I do it?’’
Kidd missed the past four games while nursing a lower back injury. The Mavs went 4-0 during that time, with West replacing Kidd at point guard and averaging 9.5 points, 5.3 assists and 2.8 steals per game.
Kidd is expected back for tonight’s 8 o’clock game at American Airlines Center against the Sacramento Kings. That’s when West will slide back over to his shooting guard spot, thankful for more time to pick Kidd’s brain again.
“I’m just embracing this opportunity I have to learn from a guy like that,’’ West said. “Like I said, we’re just praying for a speedy recovery so he can get back in the flow of things leading this team.’’
-- Dwain Price
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