Even as the New Jersey Nets jumped out to the best record in the NBA's Eastern Conference, and even as Jason Kidd made a strong case as the league's most valuable player and Kerry Kittles seemed reborn, there were questions about the team.

People wondered about their depth, about their ability to beat the best teams regularly, whether they could carry a good start through the entire season.

Those questions may now have been answered by one the franchise's best weeks in a decade.

The primary reason for the New Jersey turnaround has been the acquisition of Kidd, who recorded his 41st career triple-double in the win over San Antonio. The veteran point guard, obtained from Phoenix for Stephon Marbury, has imbued the Nets with a sense of purpose. And his greatest attribute is that he makes those around him better.