CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Former teammates, players and an ex-NBA assistant coach say the credibility a Hall of Fame career brings and familiarity with today's players will help Jason Kidd successfully transition into coaching.

Kidd was named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, less than two weeks after he ended a sterling 19-year career marked by an NBA championship and two tours as a leader on the U.S. Olympic team.

Brendan Suhr, a longtime NBA assistant who now helps players become coaches, says Kidd will have "incredible credibility" with his players because of what he accomplished, and how he went about his business.

Denver point guard Andre Miller agrees. He says the point guard position forces players to deal with egos, attitudes and behaviors — challenges NBA coaches manage daily.