Jason Kidd by numbers

The difference maker

Hey, does everyone know that the Dallas Mavericks are 0-8 against playoff teams since Jason Kidd joined the team?

I wanted to make sure that it was publicized enough because I doubt any other media outlet is rolling with that stat. Of course, I'm joking. Everyone's running with it. It's the stat of the week and when everyone blogs about how overrated the NBA trade deadline deals were, they'll cite it.

It's funny that Kidd was considered the difference between winning and losing against the good teams in close games. Six of the eight games could be considered close, and Kidd's been an afterthought. Maybe Avery Johnson had it right when he benched the guy in that first Spurs game.

For the record, Devin Harris has had two games of 10+ assists and is averaging a full assist more a game (6.5) since going to New Jersey.

	FGs	3s	Points	Rebounds	Assists	TOs	FTs
Hornets	3-6	0-2	8	6	5	6	2-2
Spurs	3-8	1-1	7	4	10	2	0-0
Lakers	6-17	3-5	15	6	11	1	0-0
Jazz	5-10	3-4	19	4	9	2	6-7
Rockets	3-6	1-1	7	6	6	4	0-0
Lakers	0-3	0-1	1	3	7	1	1-1
Celtics	1-8	0-4	2	11	9	3	0-0
Spurs	3-10	1-5	7	7	5	3	0-0

Total

21-58

8-18

8.25 ppg

5.8 rpg

7.75 apg

2.75 topg

9-12

It's clear that Kidd has not lived up to his bill. He doesn't even have a triple-double as a Mav yet. Most disturbing is the free throws. That's how you win close games with wide-open jumpers are hard to find. You go to the rim and get a foul. Except for one game, Kidd's been most unwilling to go in the lane.

Furthermore, his desire to keep trying to shoot three-pointers is illogical. It's the weakest part of his game and always has been. He has to know this. So why does he keep shooting from back there? Granted, he's had some efficient games behind the arc, but look at the last Celtic and Spur games. Plus, there's no reason why he should have more three-point attempts than free-throw attempts.

Then there's the general scoring. Now, you might argue that Kidd isn't a scorer, which is ridiculous ... just look at all the triple-doubles. The Mavs didn't necessarily need Kidd to average 25 a game, but he had to come in and make up for the scoring that Harris brought. I think 10 a game would've been good. Of course, on the nights he couldn't make a basket (again, when the jumper ain't falling, you get closer) he's taken more shots. Then the Lakers game with only three attempts.

This trade's a bust. The Mavs would've been better off keeping Harris and playing for next year or the next.