"elonte West more than welcomed the return of Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks' starting lineup.

"I think it's good to get him back these few games before the All-Star break so he can kind of get his flow back," said West, who had started at point guard in Kidd's absence. "He's one of the best to ever do it ... period.

"It's a good time right now to talk about a legend in his own rights who can still do it. He's a great leader on the floor."

Kidd played 27 minutes and finished with eight points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two steals as the Mavs defeated the Timberwolves, 104-97.

But Kidd proved that he still has some rust as he committed eight of the Mavs' 18 turnovers.

Kidd missed the previous six games after he strained his right calf during a Jan. 27 game against the Utah Jazz.

The Mavs were 3-3 during his absence, and severely missed his leadership.

"He's the best point guard in NBA history," guard Jason Terry said. "You always want him on the floor.""