Byron Scott swears there are no flashbacks. He sees strains and sprains, bumps and bruises, not breaks and fractures.

“No flashbacks,” Scott said, referring to last year when serious injury after serious injury decimated his Nets. “If there were flashbacks, Aaron’s hand would be broken, Richard’s foot would be broken.”

No breaks, but the Nets are siding with caution. Richard Jefferson skipped practice yesterday after complaints of a sore right foot and his status for tonight’s game at Detroit is a wait-and-see matter. Aaron Williams stayed home, bothered by knee tendinitis and a sore hand. Additionally, rookie Brian Scalabrine (foot stress reaction) and guard David Vanterpool (sprained knee) remained home.

Jefferson played 19 minutes Saturday against Cleveland and Scott saw no evidence of a problem. After some earlier complaints of soreness, Jefferson received treatment and claimed he felt fine. When Jefferson showed up yesterday with pain, trainer Tim Walsh recommended the rookie sit out practice.

“His foot was a little sore and Timmy thought it would be best to just give him some treatment and let him sit out the day,” said Scott.

*

Scott yesterday reiterated his belief the Nets are better with Jason Kidd than Stephon Marbury. “He’s definitely made us better as a team. We’re much more of a running team. In my opinion, he’s still the best point guard in this league as far as pushing the ball. We pass the ball better this year than we did last year so all around he’s made us better.”