it's a daring trade that has the Nets full of big dreams and playoff promise. This time, it was general manager Rod Thorn, an assistant coach on the Nets' 1974 title team, who pulled the trigger on a deal that sent talented (but troublesome) point guard Stephon Marbury to Phoenix for the talented (but tarnished) Jason Kidd.

Heading into tonight's game against the Rockets at Compaq Center, the Nets, who won just 26 games last season, own the best record in the Eastern Conference at 28-13.

The difference? Kidd.

"He's been everything (we hoped for) and then some," said New Jersey coach Byron Scott, who well understands the impact of a great point guard after spending most of his career with the Lakers alongside Magic Johnson. "He's been everything we thought he would be and more.