Nets owner rips ex-coach Kidd in press conference

Jason Kidd. Chris Young/CP

Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov didn’t hold back when he was asked about former coach Jason Kidd during a press conference on Monday before the team’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Darnell Mayberry on Twitter: “Highlight of the season: Mikhail Prokhorov just said “Don’t let the door hit you where the good lord split you” when asked about Jason Kidd.”

The Nets brought Kidd, who had no prior NBA coaching experience, in as head coach in June 2013. Kidd finished the 2013-14 season with a record of 44-38. The Nets were eliminated by Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Kidd then sought control of the basketball operations department and was denied, which in turn saw Kidd’s coaching rights traded to the Milwaukee Bucks on July 1 in exchange for two second-round draft picks in 2015 and 2019.

You can read the more detailed quote from Prokhorov below as per Devin Kharpertian of The Brooklyn Game:

“There is a nice proverb in English,” Prokhorov said. “Don’t let the door hit you where the Good Lord has split you.”

After laughter, Prokhorov continued.

“I think each side did what they thought was the best, and I like what we have now. I think our structure is optimal. We have a very strong, experienced coach, and a very strong GM in Billy King.”

Kidd left the organization after reportedly staging a coup, seeking more power with the Nets. After the Nets granted him permission to speak with the Milwaukee Bucks, he signed a contract to be their head coach.

“I think we shouldn’t get mad, I think we should get even,” Prokhorov added. “And we’ll see it on the court.”

UPDATE: On Tuesday, Kidd responded to Prokhorov’s comments when asked by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer C.F. Gardner.

cfgardner on Twitter: “”I don’t know; that’s the first time I’ve heard it,” Kidd said.”

cfgardner on Twitter: “Kidd on Prokhorov’s comments yesterday: “I’m no longer in Brooklyn. Unfortunately they keep talking about it. I don’t.””

cfgardner on Twitter: “More Kidd: “Now if it was me and him playing 1-on-1 on the court, that would be fine.” Asked if Prokhorov would do that, Kidd said, “No.””

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