Mark Jackson says he “cannot speak about Jason Kidd and Lawrence Frank,” because he has not been present for the specific situation.
But speaking with reporters before Wednesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, the Golden State Warriors head coach said in no uncertain terms that he sided with Kidd regarding his decision to demote Frank from his bench.
“There’s no difference of opinions with my staff and I,” Jackson said, firmly and clearly. “They give suggestions, some I go with, some I don’t, but at the end of the day, it’s my decision and we are united in whichever way we decide to go. If you have a problem with that, then you should not be my assistant coach.”
Jackson added that he thought the entire spectacle was “clownish.”
After the Nets began the season 5-12, Kidd announced Frank’s demotion on December 3rd prior to a game against the Denver Nuggets, citing “different philosophies.” A report by David Aldridge indicated that Kidd blew up at Frank during a coach’s meeting, using a “13-letter word” (among others) when Frank tried to give directions.
Frank’s role with the team is now doing “daily reports,” and he is not present on the bench during games or practices.
Kidd said that he and Jackson speak often, and that Jackson’s advice for the first-year head coach has been invaluable.
“Everybody has to know who’s in charge,” Jackson added, “and that’s the head coach. He’s the guy calling the shots. I’ve never seen any one of the Pips try to lead. That’s Gladys’s role. Let Gladys be Gladys.”
