Jason Kidd's game Sunday against the Suns looked like so many he had with the Nets.
It wasn't the impressive numbers – 19 points, 20 assists. It was his drive, will and refuse-to-lose mentality. Those are the things that the Nets miss most since he was traded.
The Mavericks had a chance essentially to knock out Phoenix from playoff contention, and Kidd came to play. He wasn't trying to pass Magic Johnson and move into third place in assists. That was going to happen at some point anyway. Kidd wanted to win and to end any thoughts the Suns had of catching Dallas, and controlled the game.
No one is saying Kidd still should be a Net. He had to go. He wanted out and didn't play with the same desire and effort level as he is in Dallas.
The Nets knew what they were losing, though.
They did well in getting Devin Harris in return, but no longer have that kind of competitive player who won't let them lose. Kidd was that for so many years and it's something nearly impossible to replace.
Very few have it like Kidd did and does. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Garnett and Chris Paul come to mind.
The Nets have some good players, just not guys of that ilk. Vince Carter hasn't led his teams the way those above have. Harris hasn't shown he's in that class. Maybe Brook Lopez eventually can be, but he's a rookie and just scratching the surface.
The Nets always talk about rookie Chris Douglas-Roberts being one of their most competitive guys. It's great for him, but not necessarily the team.
Douglas-Roberts wasn't in the rotation most of the season. Your best players have to be the ones who hate losing so much they won't let you be beaten. Kidd didn't care enough at the end of his Nets' career to play that way, but he hasn't lost it. Only the Nets have.
