By FRED KERBER
Kidd’s MRI, Krstic’s Start, Nachbar’s Neck.
Not exactly a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and thou but what the heck. Although there is an update on Jason Kidd.
Nets sent Kidd — again, not at workout (this one a shootaround in preparation for the Knicks) – for an MRI on his strained lower back. Kidd also received an epidural after the MRI to reduce the inflammation around his disc, not to aid in childbirth.
MRI confirmed original conclusions that Kidd has a lower back strain. He’ll be back on the court sometime next week. No date set for that.
Coach Lawrence Frank said going for the MRI was not a sign of a worse situation, actually better.
“In order to do the MRI he has to lay flat on his back, and until today he couldn’t,” Frank said. “It’s for 40 minutes, the process. Timmy (Walsh, athletic trainer) had to wait until he could physically do it. Now he can do it, and now we’ll see if they need to do anything with it.
“He has progressively gotten better. He felt a whole lot better (Wednesday) night. You always have to think MRI just to make sure. But if a guy can’t physically do an MRI, you can’t do it,” Frank said.
Results have be released by gametime.
So against the Knicks Thursday night in IZOD Center, the building formerly known as Continental Airlines Arena and the Brendan Byrne Arena and just the Swamp, Darrell Armstrong was plugged in for Kidd in what likely will be the starting lineup when it counts on Halloween against Chicago: Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins. Same as last year
Kidd was the lone certainly of being out against the Knicks. Krstic was in the first five and seemed happier than a pig in fertilization matter.
“I’m really excited. After 10 months, I’m going to be on the court. That’s like amazing for me,” said Krstic, who ripped up his ACL last December.
Nets will go sloooowly with Krstic. Few minutes here and there.
Bostjan Nachbar was to be a gametime decision with his stiff and sore neck, courtesy of taking – or trying to take – a charge in Charlotte Monday.
“He has a hard time moving it left to right right now,” Frank said.
Sean Williams who has opened eyes with athleticism looking forward to next two exhibition games, Thursday against Knicks, Friday against Boston in Worcester, MA, for different reasons.
“I can’t wait to see what the atmosphere is like in the Meadowlands Arena and everything. My first home game, to be playing the Knicks,” said Williams.
And what about the Knicks?
“I know nothing about the Knicks.”
Oh.
But Williams is excited about possibly playing against Kevin Garnett Friday. “Kevin Garnett, he was one of the reasons I started playing basketball,” Williams said.
So up front at the 4 and 5 the Nets have Krstic, Jason Collins, Jamaal Magloire, Josh Boone, Sean Williams and Malik Allen. Frank was asked if he has a battle plan for using all the size.
“The play will determine it. Josh was really good in Philly, didn’t have the same type of performance in Charlotte. Collins has been consistent both games. Malik Allen was better in Philly than Charlotte. Jamaal was a little bit better in Charlotte than he was in Philly. Sean just got his first taste.”
So he doesn’t have it mapped out, huh?
“Thank you,” Frank said, acknowledging it is a pleasant problem to have.
Glorious Net Moment 4 – In honor of the Knicks, today’s choice deals with a former Knicks – and Nets – coach, Larry Brown. Darryl Dawkins had fouled out of a game but the Nets were making a run and pulled to within one point. With :12 left, Brown was diagramming a play on his clip board during a timeout. Dawkins spoke up. “Coach, coach,” Dawkins said. “Not now, Darryl,” Brown shot back. “But, coach, coach,” Dawkins persisted. “What?” Brown fumed. “Can I go back in?” Dawkins asked. Brown exploded.
Movie Quote of the Day – “Come over here, kid. Learn something. You never know, you might have to cook for 20 guys some day.” – Richard Castellano (Clemenza) to Al Pacino (Michael Corleone), “The Godfather”