The New York Posts? Peter Vecsey is pessimistic. He doesn?t quite believe that Jason Kidd will re-sign in New Jersey.

Kidd has declared that New Jersey is his first choice. And reports are that if the Nets offer him a max contract next summer, he?ll sign, but Vecsey remains skeptical.

The Spurs will have lots of cap room next year, and they will have Tim Duncan. Those two possibilities may be enough to lure Kidd from his first choice. But there?s more according to Vecsey. "Imagine the look on Jason's face each time he losses an assist when a clever pass bounces off Mutombo's stone mitts. Or the 7-2 glacier is whistled for three seconds while trying to gather himself to shoot or redistribute to an open teammate."

Todd MacCulloch may be slow, foul prone and afflicted with foot problems, but his prized hands, polished feel for the game and priceless fundamentals perfectly complemented Kidd.

Other subjects in Vecsey?s column include the Mavericks search for a big man, The Bucks reluctance to pay for Michael Redd and Mark Jackson?s decision to go to Utah over Chicago.