Jason Kidd gets first 1st technical as NBA coach

Jason Kidd has had many firsts during 21 seasons in the NBA but added another one to his career Sunday — this time as the Brooklyn Nets' new head coach.

Kidd received his first technical as an NBA coach at the team's first Summer League game while making his debut as the Nets bench leader.

Brooklyn's rookie coach got off the bench Sunday, walked too far across half court to challenge a foul call and was teed up with 2:23 left in the Nets' 76-67 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

"It happens," Kidd said of the technical. "I learned quickly where the coaching box is. I've seen some coaches on the other end of the floor, so I can't follow their lead."

Kidd, who had racked up 26 technical fouls as a player, still couldn't believe it.

"We were trying to foul a player and the referee missed it and it led to free throws," Kidd said. "So I tried to express to the referees that they missed what we were trying to do. It happens. They are not perfect, we are not perfect. So it's a lesson learned that I know I can't go past half-court."

The future Hall of Famer showed a relaxed demeanor during most of the game —  cheering on his players, giving quiet advice and listening to  his assistant coaches. The summer league is giving the former point guard a great opportunity to learn coaching from the bench instead of the floor.

"This is training ground for every one — officials, coaches, players," said the 40-year-old Kidd. "We're all trying to get better."

At times, it appeared to be coaching by committee.

"I will lean on my staff," Kidd said. "Every one of the coaches will bring something to the table."

Kidd, who came into the game with no head coaching experience after getting the job only a week after retiring as a player, didn't let the presence of other head coaches in the stands — including the world champion Miami Heat's Eric Spolestra — rattle his nerves.

"Didn't it look normal?" asked Kidd.

Not if you're used to seeing Kidd in a uniform for the past two decades.