Mavericks: Jason Kidd has focus on chemistry and accountability

The Dallas Mavericks are loving playing for new head coach Jason Kidd. The Hall of Fame point guard has been a change of pace from long-time head coach Rick Carlisle, and there is energy and excitement among the players about the season. Superstar Luka Doncic will be leading the way on the court, but the coaching staff is valuing communication and input from players to make it a more collaborative environment.

Training camp is still in the early stages with just media day and the first practice in the books. Dallas wants to become title contenders this season, but it is going to take internal growth and improved defense to make that a reality. Kristaps Porzingis and the supporting cast must play better for the Mavs to make a serious run.

Coach Kidd has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish before the regular-season opener on Oct. 21. He talked about the team’s focus during training camp following the first practice on Sept. 28. Here is a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd focused on chemistry and accountability

Kidd met with reporters following the first practice to discuss how it went and some fresh but familiar faces in the gym. He was asked about the team’s focus during training camp and responded with this.

"When you talk about what we are trying to accomplish here at training camp is chemistry and accountability. Those two things we talked about yesterday as a team, and we are going to talk throughout training camp and the year. I thought today was a great start in that chemistry and accountability."

Kidd then discussed about how building chemistry is not an overnight thing, but he feels strongly about its importance. Luka Doncic mentioned improving the chemistry during the press conference announcing his extension. Stronger bonds between the players are on the docket for the Mavericks, and it will be interesting to see how much they can improve their chemistry this season.

Coach Kidd was asked about what he wanted to do in the first week of training camp to build a base on what he wants to accomplish.

"I think the biggest thing as we talk about chemistry and accountability that comes along with trust. Just trusting each other, maybe on the defensive end if someone gets beat, there is going to be a teammate there to help. On the offensive end, being unselfish and we talked about it yesterday, we are very good at breaking down the defense and making the extra pass. Can we be accountable to do that on a nightly basis? Everybody agreed that we can, and so those are the type of things we are going to work on daily to get there."

Fans can see Kidd's entire presser from Sept. 28 below.

Jason Kidd plans on getting total buy-in from his players and has a plan to lift the team to the next level. Improving the Mavs defense and returning to elite offensive status are two goals for Dallas this season. Stay tuned to see what coach Kidd can accomplish in his first season leading the Dallas Mavericks because they promise to be one of the most exciting teams in the league.