Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jason Kidd

How Jason Kidd built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jason Kidd is a former professional basketball player and current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Considered one of the greatest point guards, he achieved numerous accolades, including 10-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA Team selection, and nine-time All-Defensive Team selection. He secured an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011 and won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team. Kidd was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, solidifying his legacy as an impactful figure in basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Enters NBA Draft

In 1994, Jason Kidd opted to enter the NBA draft.

1994: Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks

In 1994, Jason Kidd was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the NBA draft as the second overall pick.

1996: Traded to Phoenix Suns

During the 1996–97 season, Jason Kidd was traded to the Phoenix Suns with Tony Dumas and Loren Meyer for Michael Finley, A.C. Green, and Sam Cassell.

1996: Voted All-Star Game Starter

In the following season, 1996, Jason Kidd was voted a starter in the All-Star Game.

1997: Improved Suns Win Total

In his first full season with the Suns, 1997-98, the team's win total improved by 16 games.

1998: All-Star Game

In 1998, Jason Kidd made the All-Star Game during his stay in Phoenix.

1998: League Assists Leader

In the 1998–99 season, Jason Kidd averaged 10.8 assists per game, becoming the league's assists leader.

1999: Suns Acquire Penny Hardaway

Before the start of the 1999-00 season, the Phoenix Suns acquired Penny Hardaway from the Orlando Magic with the hope of creating the best backcourt duo in the league.

1999: All-NBA First Team

In 1999, Jason Kidd was voted to the All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive Team during his stay in Phoenix.

2000: All-Star Game

In 2000, Jason Kidd made the All-Star Game during his stay in Phoenix.

2000: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2000, Jason Kidd won a gold medal in the Olympics with the U.S. national team.

2000: Kidd Returns for Playoffs

Late in the 1999-00 regular season, Jason Kidd broke his ankle but returned during the playoffs to help his team beat the San Antonio Spurs and advance to the second round for the first time in his career.

June 28, 2001: Traded to New Jersey Nets

On June 28, 2001, after five seasons in Phoenix, Jason Kidd was traded to the New Jersey Nets, along with Chris Dudley, for Stephon Marbury, Johnny Newman, and Soumaila Samake.

2001: All-Star Game

In 2001, Jason Kidd made the All-Star Game during his stay in Phoenix.

2001: Joins New Jersey Nets

In 2001, Jason Kidd started playing for the New Jersey Nets.

2002: NBA Finals Appearance

During the 2002–03 season, New Jersey enjoyed another stellar season, reaching the NBA finals once again.

2002: NBA Finals Appearance with the Nets

In 2002, Jason Kidd led the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals.

2003: Stays with the Nets

As an unrestricted free agent in the 2003 offseason, Jason Kidd decided to stay with the Nets on a 6-year, $99 million deal.

2003: Second NBA Finals Appearance with the Nets

In 2003, Jason Kidd led the New Jersey Nets to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

2005: NBA All-Defensive First Team

In the 2005–06 season, Jason Kidd was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the fourth time in his career.

2007: Trade back to Dallas Mavericks

Mid-season of 2007-08, Jason Kidd was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks

January 28, 2008: Trade Request

On January 28, 2008, Jason Kidd revealed that his agent had been in discussions with the Nets' front office regarding a potential trade.

February 13, 2008: Initial Trade Agreement Reached

On February 13, 2008, the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets initially agreed on a trade involving Jason Kidd and Malik Allen to Dallas.

February 19, 2008: Trade to Dallas Mavericks

On February 19, 2008, Jason Kidd was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks, the team that originally drafted him.

2008: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2008, Jason Kidd secured his second gold medal in the Olympics with the U.S. national team.

2008: Traded Back to Dallas

In 2008, Jason Kidd was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks during the season.

July 5, 2009: Verbal Commitment to Mavericks

On July 5, 2009, Jason Kidd verbally committed to re-signing with the Dallas Mavericks after being heavily pursued by the New York Knicks.

June 12, 2011: NBA Championship

On June 12, 2011, Jason Kidd won his first and only NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks, defeating the Miami Heat.

2011: NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks

In 2011, Jason Kidd won an NBA championship as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

July 12, 2012: Signed with New York Knicks

On July 12, 2012, Jason Kidd signed with the New York Knicks after changing his mind about re-signing with the Mavericks.

June 3, 2013: Retirement Announcement

On June 3, 2013, Jason Kidd announced his retirement from the NBA after one season with the Knicks and 19 seasons in the league.

June 12, 2013: Named Head Coach of Brooklyn Nets

On June 12, 2013, Jason Kidd was named the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, marking his transition to coaching immediately after retiring as a player.