NET NOTES

Jason Kidd is expected to discuss his status with team officials when the Nets return from Washington tomorrow. He could practice as early as Friday, but his return is still murky.

Coach Lawrence Frank made it clear that it will be up to the medical experts, and not Kidd, as to when he’ll be back on the court.

“Jason wanted to play in September,” Frank said before last night’s 99-86 victory over Charlotte at the Meadowlands. “He’s ultra-competitive. It’s eating him alive that he’s not on the floor.

“At this point obviously as far as he’s come, you have to be prudent and wise. You can’t let the situation dictate when he’s going to come back. You have to let his physical status dictate when he’s going to come back.”

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Aaron Williams played last night, but the trend continued where he was at the back end of the Nets’ rotation. Williams registered a DNP in Portland Sunday night and played two measly minutes in Seattle last Friday night.

He totaled two minutes against the Bobcats. The 6-foot-9 big man didn’t see action until the 2:21 mark of the second.

Frank has inserted rookie Nenad Krstic into Williams’ former role as the big man off the bench. Krstic played 26 minutes in the previous two games, and scored four points last night.

“We’re just searching,” Frank said. “Aaron is the ultimate professional.

“The guy, he’s had a lot to do with our success. When you’re in the midst of a losing streak, you’re just trying to find different answers. Unfortunately, guys get the wrong end of that.

“It’s a long season. Aaron’s still going to be a contributor in everything we do. He’s a great professional in the sense he still supports his teammates, and he’s definitely going to help us.’

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Former Net Tamar Slay was active for last night’s game and played garbage time. The Bobcats selected him in the expansion draft, but he has been a disappointment.