Nets' Kirilenko criticizes former coach Kidd
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Andrei Kirilenko gave a lengthy interview to Russian sports tabloid SovSports this week, and had some scathing words for former Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd.
The veteran suggested the pressure of Kidd's job in New York City was a little too much.
"So the pressure is huge. And Kidd couldn’t handle it," Kirilenko said, as translated by SB Nation's Nets Daily. "Or maybe didn’t want to."
AK-47 said there wasn't much Kidd could do with injuries to center Brook Lopez and significant heath issues for several other members of the roster, but noted the team was still "serious" about a successful playoff run.
"When Kidd became head [coach] of the team, no one really knew what to expect," he said. "Of course he had colossal experience as a player but no coaching experience. Or reputation.
"At the beginning it was difficult. What else could it be when you’re losing more games than you’re winning? Things were a bit easier for me as I was injured at the time and couldn't be on the court and do anything about it, no matter how much I wanted to. So, inside, I was calm."
Kirilenko averaged career lows in points, rebounds and minutes played during the 2013-14 season.