NEW YORK -– Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle will always hold Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler in high regard. Even though they now play for the New York Knicks.
Kidd and Chandler were starters on the Mavs’ team that captured the 2011 NBA title under Carlisle’s
guidance. As far as Carlisle is concerned, they will always be special family members to him.
“These guys will always be Mavericks royalty to me,’’ Carlisle said after Friday’s shoot around at Madison Square Garden. “I’ve got a high level of respect for Kidd and Chandler -- and always will.’’
Chandler left the Mavs to sign a free agent contract with the Knicks during the 2011 offseason. Meanwhile, Kidd said he was returning to play for the Mavs this season after verbally agreeing to a three-year, $9 million contract.
However, Kidd ruffled a few feathers around the Mavs’ headquarters when he changed his mind and decided to sign a free agent contract with the Knicks -- for the same amout of money.
“Kidd’s in a great situation here – I’m very happy for him,’’ Carlisle said. “He’s close to home and all that kind of stuff.
“He certainly had the right to do that and I wish him all the best. You’re talking a guy that really was instrumental in putting rings on all our fingers.’’
Kidd and the Knicks host the Mavs at 6:30 tonight at Madison Square Garden.
-- Dwain Price
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@dwainprice
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