Jason Kidd is a High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble for Brooklyn Nets

Jason Kidd officially became the latest head coach of the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday evening, as per Howard Beck of The New York Times.

It’s a calculated gamble by team ownership, as they are making a bold maneuver to hire the inexperienced 40-year-old just over a week after he announced his retirement as a player from the NBA.

Kidd is certainly going to bring an aura of excitement to a franchise that hasn’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since he led them there as the starting point guard in 2007.

The Chicago Bulls eliminated the Nets from postseason contention in seven games—a disappointing finish for a squad featuring Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson and a number of other talented pieces.

Despite a 35-19 regular-season record, interim coach P.J. Carlesimo took the fall for that shortcoming.

Owner Mikhail Prokhorov and general manager Billy King seemed intent on making a splash hire to fill the vacancy, first by attempting to lure 11-time Finals-winner Phil Jackson out of retirement.

After the Zen Master declined, Kidd became an intriguing option upon his retirement and apparently impressed during the interview process.

Although he has no head-coaching experience at any level, Kidd skillfully mastered his point guard position and learned the ins and outs of coaching after serving under a number of different mentors during his 19-year playing career.

Kidd is a name that will get fans excited and have people talking about the Nets this offseason, as the club has zero cap flexibility and isn’t projected to be able to make any significant deals over the summer.

By hiring one of the two greatest players in franchise history—the other being Julius “Dr. J” Erving—the Nets are appealing to fans both old and new.

Supporters of the organization will remember Kidd leading New Jersey to the Finals in back-to-back seasons (2002 and 2003) and making five All-Star appearances during his tenure with the team.

New and younger fans will instantly recognize J-Kidd from his championship days in Dallas and final playoff push with the New York Knicks in 2013.

If he actually lives up to all the excitement and buzz being generated, the Nets brass will have hit one out of the park.

According to ESPN, Kidd is both excited and well-prepared for this opportunity:

"

This is a tremendous opportunity to be named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, and it's a role I have been studying for over the course of my playing days. Championship teams are built on being prepared, playing unselfishly and being held accountable, and that's how I expect to coach this basketball team. I am truly excited about this next phase of my basketball career.

"

Expect a superstar cast of former head coaches and big-name assistants to surround Kidd on his bench in Brooklyn, as they attempt to ease him into the lifestyle and coordinate the offense and defense.

His success—especially early on—will hinge directly on whom he hires to aid him and how they perform their duties. While D-Will may regard Kidd highly and listen to him, it may be a taller task to get him to engage with someone such as Lawrence Frank.

Regardless, Kidd is a commanding presence that is universally respected around the league. He should have no problem getting full attention and quick results from his players.

If his assistants install the right systems around Kidd, this future Hall of Famer could be enshrined as both a player and coach.