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 highly decorated American basketball coach and former player. As a player, Kidd was a 10-time NBA All-Star known for his versatility. He earned six All-NBA Team selections and nine All-Defensive Team honors. Kidd won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and secured two Olympic gold medals playing for the U.S. national team. His achievements led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the league's all-time greats. He currently serves as the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Entered the 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.

1995: Shared NBA Rookie of the Year Honors

In 1995, Jason Kidd shared NBA Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons.

1996: Traded to the 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 as an All-Star Game Starter

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

1997: Improved Team Win Total with the Suns

In Jason Kidd's first full season with the Suns in 1997–98, the team's win total improved by 16 games.

1998: Assists Leader

During the 1998–99 season, Jason Kidd averaged 10.8 assists per game and dethroned Washington's Rod Strickland as the league's assist leader.

1999: Acquisition of Penny Hardaway

Before the start of the 1999–00 season, the Phoenix Suns acquired Penny Hardaway from the Orlando Magic, aiming to create the best backcourt duo in the league with Jason Kidd.

1999: Participated in the USA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 1999, Jason Kidd participated in the USA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the team finished with a 10–0 record, winning a gold medal and earning a spot at the 2000 Olympics.

1999: All-Star Game

Jason Kidd made the All-Star Game in 1999. However, it was not held that year because of a lockout.

2000: Earned a berth at the Olympics

In 1999, Jason Kidd participated in the USA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the team finished with a 10–0 record, winning a gold medal and earning a spot at the 2000 Olympics.

2000: All-Star Game

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

2000: Tri-captain for the 2000 Olympics

In 2000, Jason Kidd was appointed as one of Team USA's tri-captains for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, leading the team to an undefeated record of 8–0 and a gold medal.

2000: Olympic Gold Medal

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

2000: Won first gold medal since 2000 Olympics

In 2008, Jason Kidd participated in the 2008 Olympics where the team went undefeated, winning their first gold medal since the 2000 Olympics.

June 28, 2001: Traded to the 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.

2001: Joined the New Jersey Nets

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

2001: All-Star Game

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

2001: Hanging on the Prospect of Missing the Playoffs

With the Nets hanging on the prospect of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

2002: NBA Finals Appearance with the Nets

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

2002: Led Nets to NBA Finals

In the 2002–03 season, Jason Kidd lead the Nets to the NBA finals once again.

2003: Second NBA Finals Appearance with the Nets

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

2003: Participated at the 2003 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In 2003, Jason Kidd participated at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, leading the team to a 10–0 record, a gold medal, and a berth at the 2004 Olympics.

2003: Signed a 6-year deal with the Nets

In the 2003 offseason, Jason Kidd decided to stay with the Nets on a 6-year, $99 million deal.

2004: Berth at the 2004 Olympics

In 2003, Jason Kidd participated at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, leading the team to a 10–0 record, a gold medal, and a berth at the 2004 Olympics.

2005: Third Place Finish in the East

In the 2005–06 season, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter led the Nets to a third-place finish in the East with a 49–33 record.

April 7, 2007: Teammates record triple-doubles in same game

On April 7, 2007, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter became the first teammates since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1989 to record triple-doubles in the same game.

2007: Trade back to Dallas Announced

During the 2007-08 season, Jason Kidd was traded back to Dallas.

2007: Participated in the FIBA Americas Championship 2007

In 2007, Jason Kidd participated in the FIBA Americas Championship, helping the team to a 10–0 record, a gold medal, and a berth at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

January 28, 2008: Kidd reveals trade discussions

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: Mavericks and Nets reach trade agreement

On February 13, 2008, the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets reached an agreement on a trade involving Jason Kidd; however, the initial trade fell through due to contract stipulations.

February 19, 2008: Kidd traded to the Dallas Mavericks

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

2008: Berth at the 2008 Olympics

In 2007, Jason Kidd participated in the FIBA Americas Championship, helping the team to a 10–0 record, a gold medal, and a berth at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

2008: Won gold medal at the 2008 Olympics

In 2008, Jason Kidd participated in the 2008 Olympics where the team went undefeated, winning their first gold medal since the 2000 Olympics.

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 the middle of the 2007–08 season, Jason Kidd was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks.

July 5, 2009: Kidd Commits to Re-signing with 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: Kidd wins NBA Championship

On June 12, 2011, Jason Kidd won his first and only NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks, defeating LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and 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.

2011: Won NBA Championship with Dallas

In 2011, at age 38, Jason Kidd won his only NBA championship when the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in the finals.

July 12, 2012: Kidd signs with New York Knicks

On July 12, 2012, Jason Kidd signed with the New York Knicks after initially committing to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks.

June 3, 2013: Kidd Retires from NBA

On June 3, 2013, Jason Kidd announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons.

June 12, 2013: Kidd Named Head Coach of Brooklyn Nets

On June 12, 2013, Jason Kidd was named the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, replacing interim coach P. J. Carlesimo.

September 2013: Kidd Buys Minority Stake in Brooklyn Nets

In September 2013, Jason Kidd purchased a minority ownership stake in the Brooklyn Nets from Jay-Z.

2013: Finished Playing Career with the New York Knicks

In 2013, Jason Kidd finished his playing career with the New York Knicks.

July 1, 2014: Bucks Secure Kidd's Coaching Rights

On July 1, 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks secured Jason Kidd's coaching rights from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for two second-round draft picks.

January 22, 2018: Bucks fire head coach Kidd

On January 22, 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks fired Jason Kidd after the team posted a 23-22 record midway through the 2017-18 season.

2018: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2018, Jason Kidd was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2018: Fired by the Milwaukee Bucks

Mid-season in 2018, Jason Kidd was fired as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks after coaching for four seasons.

July 31, 2019: Hired as assistant coach by the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 31, 2019, Jason Kidd was hired as an assistant coach by the Los Angeles Lakers.

2020: NBA Championship as Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2020, Jason Kidd won an NBA championship as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers.

2020: Won NBA Championship

In 2020, Jason Kidd won his second NBA championship when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in 6 games in the NBA Finals. This was his first championship as a coach at any level.