Jason Frederick Kidd is a highly acclaimed American basketball coach and former player, currently coaching the Dallas Mavericks. Considered one of the greatest point guards ever, he achieved numerous accolades during his playing career, including 10 NBA All-Star selections, five All-NBA First Team selections, and an NBA championship win with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. He also earned two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team. Kidd's exceptional skills and contributions to basketball led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the NBA's greatest players of all time on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Before Jason Kidd's arrival at the University of California, Berkeley, the school's basketball program had not won a conference title since 1960. This context highlights the state of the program when Kidd joined and the potential impact he represented.
Prior to Jason Kidd's selection as a First Team All-American in college, the University of California, Berkeley had not had a player achieve this honor since 1968. This underscores Kidd's exceptional talent and the impact he made on the program.
Jason Frederick Kidd was born on March 23, 1973. This event marks the beginning of his journey to becoming a prominent figure in basketball.
Jason Kidd and Vince Carter's achievement of recording triple-doubles in the same game drew comparisons to the legendary duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, who accomplished the feat in 1989. This accomplishment highlighted the rarity and significance of their performance.
Jason Kidd's achievement of recording three consecutive triple-doubles placed him in an exclusive group of players to accomplish this statistical feat since 1989, underscoring the rarity and impressiveness of his performance.
Following a successful sophomore season at the University of California, Berkeley, Jason Kidd declared for the NBA draft in 1994. This decision marked the end of his collegiate career and the beginning of his professional journey.
Jason Kidd's professional basketball career began in 1994 when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the second overall pick in the NBA draft. This marked the beginning of his illustrious journey in the league.
Jason Kidd shared the 1995 NBA Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill, highlighting their promising start in the league.
Jason Kidd's impact on the NBA was immediate, as he shared Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill in 1995. This award recognized his exceptional debut season with the Dallas Mavericks and his potential for greatness.
During the 1996-97 season, Jason Kidd was traded to the Phoenix Suns. This trade marked a significant turning point in his career and led to several successful seasons with the Suns.
In 1996, Jason Kidd was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he would spend several seasons showcasing his exceptional skills as a point guard. This trade marked a turning point in his career.
Jason Kidd's rising star in the NBA was evident in 1996 when he was voted a starter for the All-Star Game. This recognition solidified his status as one of the league's top point guards and showcased his growing popularity among fans and peers.
Jason Kidd married his first wife, Joumana, in 1997.
In the 1997-98 season, Jason Kidd's impact on the Phoenix Suns was evident as the team's win total improved by 16 games. His arrival brought a new dynamic to the team and contributed to their success.
In 1998, Jason Kidd earned his first All-Star selection while playing for the Phoenix Suns, marking his growing reputation as a top point guard in the league.
Jason Kidd's exceptional passing skills were on full display during the 1998-99 season when he led the NBA in assists and triple-doubles. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates was unmatched, solidifying his reputation as an elite point guard.
Before the start of the 1999-2000 season, the Phoenix Suns made a significant move by acquiring Penny Hardaway from the Orlando Magic. This acquisition aimed to create a formidable backcourt duo with Kidd and Hardaway.
Despite the NBA lockout that resulted in a shortened season and the cancellation of the All-Star game, Jason Kidd's exceptional playmaking abilities were evident as he led the league in assists in 1999. This accomplishment highlighted his consistency and impact on the court.
In 1999, Jason Kidd played a key role in the USA Basketball team's success at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The team went undefeated, earning the gold medal and a place in the 2000 Olympics. Kidd's performance, including leading the tournament in assists and steals, highlighted his talent and leadership on the court.
The New York Knicks achieved their first 50-win season since 1999-2000 during the 2012-2013 season, marking a significant accomplishment for the team.
Jason Kidd served as a tri-captain for Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, leading the team to an undefeated record and the gold medal. His averages of 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists (team-high), and 1.1 steals (team-high) showcased his all-around game and leadership.
Throughout his career, Jason Kidd achieved significant success on the international stage, securing five gold medals with Team USA. This includes victories at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, solidifying his place as one of the greats in basketball.
The New York Knicks achieved their first 50-win season since 1999-2000 during the 2012-2013 season, marking a significant accomplishment for the team.
Jason Kidd's basketball prowess extended to the international stage. In 2000, he played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. national team to a gold medal at the Olympic Games, showcasing his exceptional skills on a global platform.
Jason Kidd continued to solidify his status as a premier point guard in 2000, earning another All-Star selection and leading the NBA in assists for the second consecutive year. His exceptional playmaking abilities were widely recognized.
Despite injuries to key players, including Jason Kidd, the Phoenix Suns managed to overcome adversity and advance to the second round of the playoffs in 2000. This accomplishment showcased the team's resilience and Kidd's ability to contribute even when not fully healthy.
Jason Kidd was part of the 2008 US Olympic "Redeem Team" that won the gold medal in Beijing. This win marked a significant achievement for US Basketball, as it followed previous disappointments in international competitions like the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2004 Olympics, and 2006 FIBA World Championship. The team's dominance in Beijing solidified their status as the world's best basketball team.
During the 2000-2001 NBA season, Jason Kidd and the Phoenix Suns experienced a mix of highs and lows. Kidd faced personal challenges, including charges of domestic abuse against his wife. The Suns struggled mid-season but finished strong with a 15-6 record. Notably, Kidd took on more offensive responsibility, showcasing his scoring ability with multiple 30-point games.
In 1999, Jason Kidd played a key role in the USA Basketball team's success at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The team went undefeated, earning the gold medal and a place in the 2000 Olympics. Kidd's performance, including leading the tournament in assists and steals, highlighted his talent and leadership on the court.
In January 2001, Jason Kidd was arrested and subsequently pled guilty to a domestic abuse charge for assaulting his then-wife, Joumana. He was ordered to attend anger management classes for six months as part of his plea.
On June 28, 2001, Jason Kidd was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the New Jersey Nets in a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The trade paired Kidd with a young and talented Nets team, signaling a new chapter in his career.
By 2001, Jason Kidd had firmly established himself as one of the NBA's best, earning his third consecutive All-Star selection and leading the league in assists for the third straight year. His exceptional court vision and passing skills were on full display during this period.
In the 2004-2005 season, the New Jersey Nets faced the prospect of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2001. However, the arrival of Vince Carter in a trade provided a spark, and the team, led by Kidd and Carter, made a late-season push to secure the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Jason Kidd's NBA career took him to the New Jersey Nets in 2001. His time with the Nets would be marked by impressive performances and leadership.
Jason Kidd was initially selected to represent the United States at the 2002 FIBA World Championship but had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury.
In the 2002-2003 season, Jason Kidd guided the New Jersey Nets to another impressive season, finishing with a 49-33 record and reaching the NBA Finals. He led the league in assists and achieved a career-high in points per game, showcasing his all-around skills.
Jason Kidd was part of the 2008 US Olympic "Redeem Team" that won the gold medal in Beijing. This win marked a significant achievement for US Basketball, as it followed previous disappointments in international competitions like the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2004 Olympics, and 2006 FIBA World Championship. The team's dominance in Beijing solidified their status as the world's best basketball team.
In 2002, Jason Kidd showcased his exceptional leadership by guiding the New Jersey Nets to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Despite falling short of the championship, Kidd's impact on the team was undeniable.
In 2003, Jason Kidd faced a significant career decision as an unrestricted free agent. Amidst speculation about joining the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, he chose to stay with the New Jersey Nets, signing a lucrative 6-year, $99 million contract. Despite another strong regular season, the Nets' playoff run ended in disappointment with a loss to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Kidd's performance in the decisive Game 7 was hampered by a knee injury.
Jason Kidd's leadership and performance were instrumental in leading the USA Basketball team to another gold medal at the 2003 FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico. The team remained undefeated, securing their spot in the 2004 Olympics with Kidd as a consistent force on the court.
Jason Kidd's determination and leadership were on full display in 2003 as he led the New Jersey Nets to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Though they couldn't secure the championship, Kidd's performances solidified his status as one of the league's premier point guards.
On July 1, 2004, Jason Kidd underwent microfracture surgery on his knee, a significant procedure that sidelined him for a portion of the upcoming season. This marked a challenging period in his career as he focused on rehabilitation and recovery.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the university's basketball program, the University of California, Berkeley retired Jason Kidd's number 5 jersey in 2004. This honor solidified his legacy at Cal and celebrated his impact on the institution.
Jason Kidd was part of the 2008 US Olympic "Redeem Team" that won the gold medal in Beijing. This win marked a significant achievement for US Basketball, as it followed previous disappointments in international competitions like the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2004 Olympics, and 2006 FIBA World Championship. The team's dominance in Beijing solidified their status as the world's best basketball team.
Jason Kidd's leadership and performance were instrumental in leading the USA Basketball team to another gold medal at the 2003 FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico. The team remained undefeated, securing their spot in the 2004 Olympics with Kidd as a consistent force on the court.
Unfortunately, Jason Kidd was forced to withdraw from the 2004 Olympic team due to injury, marking the second time an injury prevented him from representing the United States at a major international tournament.
In the 2005-2006 season, Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets continued to be a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. They finished the season with a 49-33 record, securing their fourth Atlantic Division title in five years. Their impressive run included a franchise-record 14-game winning streak in April.
In 2008, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Jason Kidd, reached the conference semifinals for the first time since 2006 after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs.
Jason Kidd earned another All-Star selection in the 2006-2007 season, solidifying his place among the league's elite. In the playoffs, he delivered a historic performance, becoming only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire postseason.
Jason Kidd was part of the 2008 US Olympic "Redeem Team" that won the gold medal in Beijing. This win marked a significant achievement for US Basketball, as it followed previous disappointments in international competitions like the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2004 Olympics, and 2006 FIBA World Championship. The team's dominance in Beijing solidified their status as the world's best basketball team.
On January 9, 2007, Jason Kidd filed for divorce from his wife Joumana, alleging "extreme cruelty" throughout their relationship. He listed reasons for the divorce such as intense jealousy, paranoia, and threats of false domestic abuse claims made to the police.
On February 15, 2007, Joumana Kidd filed a counterclaim for divorce against Jason Kidd, alleging instances of abuse, including breaking her rib and damaging her hearing by hitting her head against the console of a car.
On April 7, 2007, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter etched their names in NBA history by becoming the first teammates since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1989 to record triple-doubles in the same game. This remarkable feat showcased their exceptional all-around skills and chemistry on the court.
Jason Kidd continued to demonstrate his exceptional skills and basketball IQ in the 2007-2008 season. He achieved the rare feat of recording a triple-double in three consecutive games, a testament to his all-around abilities. Additionally, he was voted by fans to start in the All-Star game, showcasing his enduring popularity and respect within the league.
In a significant move during the 2007-08 season, Jason Kidd was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks. This trade reunited him with the franchise where he began his NBA journey and set the stage for future success.
In 2007, Jason Kidd contributed to Team USA's dominance at the FIBA Americas Championship, where they achieved a perfect 10-0 record and secured a gold medal. Kidd's performance, including leading the tournament in assist-to-turnover ratio, helped the team earn a spot in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
On January 28, 2008, Jason Kidd's time with the New Jersey Nets took a turn as he publicly revealed that he had requested a trade from the team. This announcement marked a significant shift in his career and set the stage for his departure from New Jersey.
On February 13, 2008, a proposed trade to send Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks was canceled due to Devean George's invocation of his Early Bird rights.
On February 19, 2008, after weeks of speculation and trade discussions, Jason Kidd's request was granted as he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. This move brought him back to the franchise where his NBA journey began, marking a full-circle moment in his career.
In 2007, Jason Kidd contributed to Team USA's dominance at the FIBA Americas Championship, where they achieved a perfect 10-0 record and secured a gold medal. Kidd's performance, including leading the tournament in assist-to-turnover ratio, helped the team earn a spot in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
In 2008, Jason Kidd returned to the Dallas Mavericks, the team that drafted him. This reunion would prove to be successful, as he would later lead the Mavericks to an NBA championship.
Jason Kidd was part of the 2008 US Olympic "Redeem Team" that won the gold medal in Beijing. This win marked a significant achievement for US Basketball, as it followed previous disappointments in international competitions like the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2004 Olympics, and 2006 FIBA World Championship. The team's dominance in Beijing solidified their status as the world's best basketball team.
Jason Kidd's dominance with Team USA continued in 2008, as he secured his second Olympic gold medal. This victory solidified his legacy as one of the most accomplished basketball players in Olympic history.
The 2008-2009 season saw the Dallas Mavericks struggle initially, losing eight of their first fifteen games. However, they recovered to secure the sixth seed in the playoffs, with Kidd ranking third in the league for steals.
Throughout his career, Jason Kidd achieved significant success on the international stage, securing five gold medals with Team USA. This includes victories at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics, solidifying his place as one of the greats in basketball.
On July 5, 2009, Jason Kidd decided to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks for three years, a deal reportedly worth over $25 million, despite strong interest from the New York Knicks.
As part of the trade agreement that sent Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks in 2008, the New Jersey Nets received two first-round draft picks, one in 2008 and another in 2010.
In the 2021-2022 season, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Jason Kidd, achieved their highest playoff seeding since the 2010-2011 season. This accomplishment highlights Kidd's coaching prowess and the team's significant progress.
The 2010-2011 season proved to be the Dallas Mavericks' most successful during Kidd's time with the team, culminating in an NBA championship win. This was despite facing challenges such as injuries to key players like Dirk Nowitzki and Caron Butler.
The Dallas Mavericks finished the 2009-2010 season second in the Western Conference but faced another playoff upset, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. There were rumors that Kidd's performance was impacted by a bout of flu.
Jason Kidd achieved his first and only NBA championship on June 12, 2011, playing with the Dallas Mavericks as they defeated the Miami Heat.
Jason Kidd married his second wife, former model Porschla Coleman, on September 10, 2011.
In 2011, Jason Kidd achieved a lifelong dream by winning his first and only NBA championship as a key member of the Dallas Mavericks. At the age of 38, Kidd's leadership and experience played a crucial role in the Mavericks' victory.
In the 2021-2022 season, the Dallas Mavericks, led by Jason Kidd, achieved their highest playoff seeding since the 2010-2011 season. This accomplishment highlights Kidd's coaching prowess and the team's significant progress.
The 2011-2012 season, shortened by a lockout, marked the end of Kidd's tenure with the Dallas Mavericks. The defending champions faced a disappointing defeat, being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
On January 31, 2012, Jason Kidd's exceptional high school basketball career was recognized when he was named one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans. This prestigious honor highlighted his early dominance and foreshadowed his future success.
Jason Kidd was honored with the NBA Sportsmanship Award for the first time in his career on May 3, 2012.
On July 12, 2012, Jason Kidd made the decision to sign a three-year contract with the New York Knicks, reversing his earlier commitment to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks. Although initially expected to mentor Jeremy Lin, Kidd's role shifted to backing up Raymond Felton after Lin's departure.
On July 15, 2012, Jason Kidd was arrested in Southampton Town, New York, for driving while intoxicated. Police reported that around 2 a.m., Kidd's car hit a telephone pole near his home and ended up in the woods, where officers determined he was under the influence.
Jason Kidd faced a two-game suspension at the start of the season due to a guilty plea to a misdemeanor DWI charge from an incident in July 2012. He received an additional $50,000 fine from the NBA in November for unsportsmanlike conduct during a game against the Lakers.
The 2012-2013 season began well for the New York Knicks with a strong 18-5 record. Kidd's performance was notable, averaging nine points per game and shooting 44 percent on three-pointers in the first two months. Despite a demanding schedule for Kidd, the team secured 54 wins, their first 50-win season since 1999-2000.
After playing one season with the New York Knicks and having a 19-season career in the NBA, Jason Kidd announced his retirement on June 3, 2013, shortly after Grant Hill, his 1995 co-Rookie of the Year, also retired.
Shortly after retiring as a player, Jason Kidd was appointed as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets on June 12, 2013, succeeding interim coach P. J. Carlesimo. This made him one of the few individuals since the ABA-NBA merger to transition directly from player to head coach in consecutive seasons.
In September 2013, Jason Kidd expanded his involvement with the Brooklyn Nets by purchasing a minority ownership stake in the team from Jay-Z.
Prior to a preseason game against the Miami Heat on October 17, 2013, the Brooklyn Nets honored Jason Kidd by retiring his number 5 jersey.
Jason Kidd's remarkable playing career came to an end in 2013 when he retired as a member of the New York Knicks. After 19 seasons in the NBA, Kidd left an indelible mark on the league as one of the greatest point guards of all time.
Jason Kidd received recognition for his coaching prowess when he was named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for January on February 3, 2014.
On April 1, 2014, Jason Kidd earned his second Eastern Conference Coach of the Month award for March, making him one of the few coaches to receive both Player of the Month and Coach of the Month honors.
On July 1, 2014, Jason Kidd became the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks after his trade from the Brooklyn Nets for two second-round draft picks. The move sparked controversy as Kidd was reportedly seeking more management power with the Nets and initiated discussions with the Bucks, who already had a coach under contract. Kidd expressed feeling unwanted by the Nets. His return to Brooklyn on November 19, 2014, was met with hostility from fans.
Despite a challenging start to the 2013-2014 season, the Brooklyn Nets, under Kidd's guidance, managed to improve their performance significantly in 2014, finishing with a 44-38 record. Kidd's coaching abilities began to earn recognition as the team's performance improved.
In 2014, Jason Kidd coached the Brooklyn Nets to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They defeated the Toronto Raptors in a seven-game series, with Kidd becoming the 19th rookie head coach to win a decisive Game 7 on the road. Although the Nets lost to the Miami Heat in the next round, Kidd's leadership was evident.
In the 2014-2015 NBA season, Jason Kidd led the Milwaukee Bucks to a significantly improved record of 41-41, securing a playoff spot as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. This was a remarkable turnaround from their previous season's 15-win record. Despite losing key players Jabari Parker and Brandon Knight to injury and trade, respectively, Kidd guided the team to success, becoming the first coach in NBA history to take two different franchises to the playoffs in his first two years as head coach. He finished third in Coach of the Year voting.
Under Jason Kidd's leadership, the Dallas Mavericks reached 52 wins in the 2021-2022 season, marking their highest win total since the 2014-2015 season when they had also finished with 52 wins.
On December 20, 2015, Jason Kidd announced he would be taking a leave of absence from the Milwaukee Bucks to undergo hip surgery the following day. Assistant coach Joe Prunty assumed the role of interim coach during Kidd's recovery.
As part of Jason Kidd's trade to the Milwaukee Bucks from the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, the Nets received a second-round draft pick in 2015.
The Milwaukee Bucks, coached by Jason Kidd, returned to the NBA Playoffs in 2017 after a one-season absence, marking their second playoff appearance in three seasons.
On January 22, 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Jason Kidd after the team struggled to a 23-22 record midway through the 2017-2018 NBA season.
In 2018, Jason Kidd's time as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks concluded when he was let go mid-season. Despite some successes, the team's performance fell short of expectations, leading to the decision.
On July 31, 2019, Jason Kidd joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach.
As part of Jason Kidd's trade to the Milwaukee Bucks from the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, the Nets received a second-round draft pick in 2019.
After taking a season off from coaching, Jason Kidd returned to the sidelines as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019. In 2020, he added another championship to his resume, this time as a member of the coaching staff, further solidifying his basketball legacy.
Jason Kidd won his first NBA championship as a coach in 2020 while serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in six games in the NBA Finals.
On June 28, 2021, Jason Kidd was appointed head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, marking his return to the franchise where he had previously played.
In October 2021, Jason Kidd received a significant honor by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. This accolade solidified his place as one of the greatest players in league history.
In 2021, Jason Kidd rejoined the Dallas Mavericks organization, this time as the team's head coach. This move marked his return to a franchise where he had achieved significant success as a player.
In 2021, in celebration of the NBA's 75th anniversary, The Athletic ranked the top 75 players of all time, placing Jason Kidd as the 36th greatest player in NBA history.
In 2022, Jason Kidd guided the Dallas Mavericks to their first Western Conference Finals appearance since their championship run in 2011. The team showcased resilience and a strong defense throughout the playoffs, overcoming the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns in the earlier rounds. Despite their eventual loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Conference Finals, Kidd's coaching acumen and the team's remarkable progress were widely acknowledged.
On May 6, 2024, Jason Kidd secured a multi-year contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks, signifying the team's satisfaction with his performance as head coach.