Watch CBS News

Report: Despite Nets' Struggles, Prokhorov Still Has Kidd's Back

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Anyone calling for Jason Kidd's head following the Nets' abysmal start needs to chill. He's not going anywhere -- for now.

The rookie head coach got somewhat of a vote of confidence from ownership recently, ESPN reported recently.

According to the report, billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov feels injuries and other mitigating circumstances have contributed to the Nets' 3-10 record. Playing without the injured Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Andrei Kirilenko and Jason Terry, Brooklyn was beaten by visiting Detroit 109-97 on Sunday.

"I think everybody in here is embarrassed," Kevin Garnett said following Sunday's loss. "You definitely don't want that at home. Like I've been saying, we're going to continue to work to try to change this as best we can."

Adding to Brooklyn's problems on the court have been philosophical differences between Kidd and lead assistant Lawrence Frank, who coached the then-New Jersey Nets from 2004-09. However, according to the report, the two have worked things out.

Prokhorov is on pace to spend and NBA-record $190 million this season, thanks in large part to the acquisitions of veterans Paul Pierce and Garnett. The perennial NBA All-Stars are each shooting below than 38 percent from the floor and are averaging a combined 19.5 points this season. Another of the Nets' big-ticket items, point guard Williams, has been dealing with ankle problems, limiting him to just nine games, and 9.3 points and 6 assists per game.

Lopez has sat out five straight games, while Kirilenko (back) has been sidelined for nine and Terry (knee) has missed the last two. Only Joe Johnson has started every game this season for Brooklyn.

The Nets have had major problems in the second halves of games. Brooklyn has been outscored by 96 points in the third quarter so far and is 0-10 in games it has lot the third quarter.

"Jason just questioned us in the locker room (about the third-quarter woes)," Garnett said. "But it's something we're obviously going to have to address. We've got to be the worst team in the league when it comes to third quarters, just unacceptable. As players we have to be accountable, including myself, and come out and do whatever it is that we got to do and apply it."

The Nets close November with three out of four on the road. They will be in Toronto on Tuesday before hosting the Lakers on Wednesday. After Thanksgiving they will play at Houston on Friday and at Memphis on Saturday.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.