Andrei Kirilenko says Jason Kidd 'couldn't handle' the pressure of New York

As we all are fully aware, Jason Kidd decided to attempt a power play with the Nets several weeks ago, which lead to his being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Kidd wanted more power, but the Nets were no going to oblige.

Not many players have spoken to the media about the situation, but Andrei Kirilenko decided he would.

Kirilenko had trouble finding consistent minutes under Kidd, both because of his health and because of Jason Kidd not wanting to give him the kind of minutes a guy like Kirilenko needs. He played just 45 games and had career-low statistics across the board.

With Kidd gone, Kirilenko took the opportunity to speak out against Kidd's lack of coaching experience and inability to handle pressure. This coming from an interview with SovSport.

“So the pressure is huge. And Kidd couldn’t handle it. Or maybe didn’t want to," Kirilenko said of Kidd. 

“Basically he was not able to do much of anything, if you look at the big picture – we have to admit that fact.

“When Kidd became head of the team, no one really knew what to expect,” he added. “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.”

Basically, Kirilenko was never a fan of Kidd's coaching. And I'm sure the fact that AK47 played just 14 minutes per game in 10 of the Nets' 12 playoff games didn't help change Kirilenko's mind.
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