Jason Kidd
The two-time Olympic gold medalist who delivered Dallas its first title at age 38.
Jason Frederick Kidd (born March 23, 1973) is an American professional basketball coach and former player widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. Selected second overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1994 NBA draft, he immediately impacted the league, sharing the 1995 Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill after leading the NBA in triple-doubles. His first stint in Dallas saw the team improve by 23 games to a 36–46 record. After successful tenures with the Phoenix Suns and New Jersey Nets, where he led the franchise to two consecutive Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, Kidd returned to Dallas mid-season in 2007–08. At age 38, he finally secured his only NBA championship when the Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.
- Position
- Point Guard
- Major Honor
- NBA Champion (2011)
- Jersey Number
- 2
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Kidd's professional journey began with a historic draft selection by the Mavericks, where he averaged 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in his rookie season. His early years in Dallas were defined by the 'Three J' trio alongside Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn, a group that showed promise but eventually fractured due to injuries and deteriorating relations. Following a trade to Phoenix in the 1996–97 season, Kidd led the NBA in assists for three consecutive years (1999–2001) while averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and steals during the 1998–99 campaign. He later revitalized the New Jersey Nets, guiding them to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances. His return to Dallas in the middle of the 2007–08 season set the stage for his crowning achievement: leading the Mavericks past formidable opponents to defeat the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals, capping a career that included ten All-Star selections and two Olympic gold medals.
In Their Own Story
The trade returned Kidd to Dallas just as the franchise sought veteran stability. In his first full season back, he helped guide the team through a grueling playoff run. The culmination of this effort occurred in June 2011 when the Mavericks faced the Miami Heat. At age 38, Kidd's experience and court vision were vital as Dallas secured their first-ever NBA championship. This victory validated his journey from a rookie sensation sharing Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill to a seasoned champion. The win also highlighted his versatility; upon retirement in 2013 with the New York Knicks, he ranked third in NBA history for both career regular season and playoff triple-doubles.
Reader's Guide
Kidd's statistical legacy is anchored by his elite playmaking and defensive prowess. He ranks third on the NBA all-time lists in career assists and career steals as of 2025. During his time with the Phoenix Suns, he became the only player ranked among the top 50 in ten different statistical categories in a single season (1998–99). His defensive impact was recognized with nine All-Defensive Team selections. Offensively, he accumulated 107 career regular season triple-doubles and 11 playoff triple-doubles. Beyond individual accolades like six All-NBA Team selections, his team success includes leading the Nets to two Finals runs and winning gold with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame occurred twice: first for his individual career in 2018, and again in 2025 as a member of the Redeem Team.
Did You Know?
- Kidd set an NCAA record for most steals by a freshman with 110 during his first year at Cal.
- He led the NBA in triple-doubles as a rookie, sharing the 1995 Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill.
- Kidd ranks third on the NBA all-time list for both career assists and career steals as of 2025.
- He won his only NBA championship at age 38 when Dallas defeated the Miami Heat in 2011.
- Kidd was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice: in 2018 for his individual career and in 2025 as part of the Redeem Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jason Kidd?
Jason Kidd is a Hall of Fame point guard born in 1973 who was selected second overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1994 NBA draft. He is widely considered one of the greatest playmakers in basketball history and later returned to Dallas as a coach.
What role did Jason Kidd play on the court?
As a point guard, Kidd dominated the league with his exceptional passing, rebounding, and leadership, leading the NBA in triple-doubles during his rookie season. His ability to control the pace of the game defined his impact for multiple franchises including Dallas, Phoenix, and New Jersey.
Why is Jason Kidd important to the Mavericks?
Kidd is revered as a legend who helped guide the team through two separate eras, first by improving their record significantly in the 90s and later by winning an NBA championship. His jersey number 2 was retired by the franchise, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the organization's history.
How does Jason Kidd's story end with Dallas?
After returning to Dallas for his final playing stint, the 38-year-old veteran delivered the team its first-ever NBA title in 2011. This championship victory marked the triumphant conclusion to his illustrious career before he transitioned into coaching.
What are Jason Kidd's major achievements?
Kidd is a two-time Olympic gold medalist who earned the Rookie of the Year award and led the New Jersey Nets to two consecutive NBA Finals. His crowning achievement remains guiding the Dallas Mavericks to their first championship in 2011.
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