For The Record

My curiosity is overwhelming. I can't wait to see the Shaq-in-Phoenix experiment play out. Count me as one of the naysayers, but a naysayer who will be watching tonight's game in rapt fascination.
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But as much as I have doubts about Shaq, I completely can't understand Dallas' acquisition of Jason Kidd. As others much smarter than myself have pointed out, Kidd is only a marginal upgrade over Devin Harris now (at best), and quite certainly a significant downgrade in the long run. For that switch, you have to also lose your "starting center", 2 reserves, 2 first round picks AND $3 million dollars? I've always been a believer in selling out to try to win titles, but I don't think this situation qualifies. The window isn't closing on the Mavericks' core anytime soon (if anything, Josh Howard is improving) - I don't understand why Mark Cuban panicked.

I'm reminded of a different player, one who happens to struggle mightily against Devin Harris. Flash back to the 2003 Spurs. Though they obviously won a title that year, they were often frustrated with the inconsistency of their talented, speedy point guard, Tony Parker. In the first few games of their opening round matchup with the Suns, Parker was dominated by a more experienced and much physically stronger Stephon Marbury. Sensing Parker was not a long-term solution at point guard, the Spurs offered a large free agent deal to Jason Kidd.

Kidd didn't take the deal. Parker became a perennial all-star. Parker is only 25 years old, makes two-thirds the money Kidd does, and oh yes, the Spurs won two more championships.

Fast forward to 2008. Dallas has its own 24-year old, talented, speedy point guard, who frustrates the coaching staff. Like Parker, he experiences rapid postseason success (keying 3 wins over the Spurs in the 2006 Western Conference Finals, largely by neutralizing Parker) and visible postseason failure (unable to contain the much stronger Baron Davis in the 2007 playoffs). He has a long-term, reasonable contract, like Parker. And though Harris is widely considered one of the best defensive point guards in the league, practically the only player with the speed and tenacity to chase the likes of Parker, Steve Nash, Chris Paul and Allen Iverson, the Mavericks leadership cannot shake the image of Baron Davis. Just like the Spurs couldn't shake the image of Stephon Marbury. Speed is fleeting, but power - NBA minds apparently remember power.

So the Mavs repeat the Spurs course. They set out to get Jason Kidd. Only this Jason Kidd is not quite the same. He's almost 5 years older, soon to turn 35. He's shooting 36%, the worst figure of his career. And of course, there's another difference: this isn't a free agent offer Kidd might reject. Kidd is a Maverick, and Harris, the same Harris who Parker can't blow by, is gone for good. The deal is approved, and there's no turning back.

And somewhere, Tony Parker smiles.