Jason Kidd facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jason Kidd

Kidd in 2014
Dallas Mavericks
Head coach
Personal information
Born	(1973-03-23) March 23, 1973 (age 52) San Francisco, California, U.S.
High school	St. Joseph Notre Dame (Alameda, California)
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
College	California (1992–1994)
NBA Draft	1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
Pro career	1994–2013
Coaching career	2013–present
League	NBA
Career history
As player:
1994–1996	Dallas Mavericks
1996–2001	Phoenix Suns
2001–2008	New Jersey Nets
2008–2012	Dallas Mavericks
2012–2013	New York Knicks
As coach:
2013–2014	Brooklyn Nets
2014–2018	Milwaukee Bucks
2019–2021	Los Angeles Lakers (assistant)
2021–present	Dallas Mavericks
Career highlights and awards
As player: NBA champion (2011) 10× NBA All-Star (1996, 1998, 2000–2004, 2007, 2008, 2010) 5× All-NBA First Team (1999–2002, 2004) All-NBA Second Team (2003) 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999, 2001, 2002, 2006) 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2003–2005, 2007) NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (1995) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1995) 5× NBA assists leader (1999–2001, 2003, 2004) 2× NBA Sportsmanship Award (2012, 2013) USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2007) NBA 75th Anniversary Team No. 5 retired by Brooklyn Nets Consensus first-team All-American (1994) USBWA National Freshman of the Year (1993) NCAA assists leader (1994) NCAA steals leader (1993) Pac-10 Player of the Year (1994) Pac-10 Freshman of the Year (1993) No. 5 retired by California Golden Bears National high school player of the year (1992) McDonald's All-American (1992) 2× First-team Parade All-American (1991, 1992) 2× California Mr. Basketball (1991, 1992) As assistant coach: NBA champion (2020)
Career NBA statistics
Points	17,529 (12.6 ppg)
Rebounds	8,725 (6.3 rpg)
Assists	12,091 (8.7 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 2000 Sydney Team Gold 2008 Beijing Team FIBA Americas Championship Gold 1999 San Juan Gold 2003 San Juan Gold 2007 Las Vegas

Jason Frederick Kidd (born March 23, 1973) is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He is currently the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Many people think he is one of the best point guards ever.

Kidd was an NBA All-Star 10 times and was named to the All-NBA Team six times. He was also a great defender, making the NBA All-Defensive Team nine times. In 2011, he won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks. He also won two gold medals at the Olympics with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. Jason Kidd is now in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2021, he was chosen for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, which honors the league's greatest players.

Kidd played college basketball for the California Golden Bears. The Dallas Mavericks picked him second overall in the 1994 NBA draft. He was named co-NBA Rookie of the Year in his first season. After playing for the Mavericks, he joined the Phoenix Suns and then the New Jersey Nets. He led the Nets to the NBA Finals two years in a row, in 2002 and 2003. Later, he returned to the Dallas Mavericks and won his only NBA championship in 2011. He finished his playing career with the New York Knicks in 2013.

After retiring as a player, Kidd became a coach. He coached the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks. He also won another NBA championship as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. In 2021, he became the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to the Western Conference finals in his first year and the 2024 NBA Finals in his third. Kidd was known for his amazing passing and rebounding skills. He is one of the top players in NBA history for career assists and steals.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Jason Kidd was born in San Francisco and grew up in Oakland, California. His father, Steve, was African-American, and his mother, Anne, is Irish-American. When he was young, Kidd was a very talented player. He often played against Gary Payton, who also became a famous NBA player.

Kidd went to St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California. He led his team to win two state championships in a row. In his senior year, he averaged 25 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 7 steals per game. He won many awards, including the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award as the best high school player in the country. He was also named Player of the Year by PARADE and USA Today. Kidd holds the record for most assists in high school history in California. He was also a McDonald's All-American.

College Career at California

After high school, Kidd surprised many people by choosing to play for the University of California, Berkeley. This school had not won a conference title since 1960.

In his first year at California, Kidd played very well. He averaged 13.0 points, 7.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game. He was named National Freshman of the Year. His 110 steals set a new NCAA record for a freshman. He also set a school record with 220 assists. Kidd helped his team reach the NCAA Tournament. They even beat the two-time defending champions, Duke.

Kidd continued to play great in his second year. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 9.1 assists. He broke his own school record for assists in a season. He was named a First Team All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year. After this season, Kidd decided to enter the 1994 NBA draft. In 2004, California honored Kidd by retiring his number 5 jersey.

Professional Playing Career

Dallas Mavericks: Rookie of the Year (1994–1996)

The Dallas Mavericks picked Jason Kidd as the second overall player in the 1994 NBA draft. In his first year, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He led the NBA in triple-doubles. He shared the NBA Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill. Before Kidd joined, the Mavericks had a very bad record. With Kidd, their record improved a lot, showing his big impact.

In his second season, Kidd was chosen to start in the 1996 All-Star Game. He was part of a group of young stars in Dallas called the "Three J's." However, injuries and problems between the players caused the team to struggle. Because of these issues, the Mavericks decided to trade Kidd during his third season.

Phoenix Suns: Leading the League in Assists (1996–2001)

Kidd was traded to the Phoenix Suns during the 1996–97 season. In his first full season with the Suns, the team won 16 more games than before. The Suns played a fast-paced style, often with Kidd leading a small lineup of four guards. In the playoffs, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

In the 1998–99 season, Kidd led the league in assists, averaging 10.8 per game. He also led the NBA with seven triple-doubles. He averaged career highs in points (16.9 ppg), rebounds (6.8 rpg), and steals (2.28 spg). The Suns won all seven games where Kidd had a triple-double.

Before the 1999–00 season, the Suns added Penny Hardaway. They hoped to create the best backcourt in the league. Even though they had a good record, injuries to Kidd and Hardaway hurt their season. Kidd broke his ankle but came back in the playoffs. He helped his team beat the defending champion Spurs.

During his time in Phoenix, Kidd was an NBA All-Star three times. He led the NBA in assists for three years in a row (1999–2001). He was also named to the All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive Team three times.

New Jersey Nets: Back-to-Back NBA Finals (2001–2008)

Kidd with the Nets in 2006

In 2001, Kidd was traded to the New Jersey Nets. He joined a young team with players like Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson. In the 2001–02 season, Kidd led the Nets to a 52–30 record. This was a huge improvement from the year before and the first time the team won 50 games in the NBA. He was named to the All-NBA First Team and finished second in voting for the MVP award.

With Kidd leading them, the Nets made it to the NBA Finals for the first time ever. They had some exciting wins, including a double-overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers. After beating the Charlotte Hornets and the Boston Celtics, the Nets faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. The Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, swept the Nets in four games.

The Nets had another great season in 2002–03, finishing 49–33 and reaching the NBA Finals again. Kidd had his highest scoring season with 18.7 points per game and led the league in assists. This time, Kidd was selected to the All-NBA Second Team. In the Finals, New Jersey lost to Tim Duncan's San Antonio Spurs in six games.

In 2003, Kidd chose to stay with the Nets. In the 2003–04 season, he led the league in assists again. The Nets made it to the conference semifinals but lost to the Detroit Pistons. Kidd played with a serious knee injury in the final game.

Kidd had surgery on his knee in 2004. He came back to play in December of the 2004–05 season. The Nets acquired star player Vince Carter. Kidd and Carter helped the team make the playoffs, but they lost in the first round to the Miami Heat.

In the 2005–06 season, Kidd and Carter led the Nets to win their fourth Atlantic Division title. Kidd was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. In the playoffs, they beat the Indiana Pacers but lost again to the Miami Heat.

In the 2006–07 season, Kidd was chosen for the All-Star game but missed it due to a back injury. On April 7, 2007, Kidd and Carter became the first teammates since 1989 to get triple-doubles in the same game. In the playoffs, Kidd averaged a triple-double for the entire series against the Toronto Raptors. He became only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a whole postseason. Despite his efforts, the Nets lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the 2007–08 season, Kidd got a triple-double in three straight games. He was chosen to start in the 2008 All-Star game. Kidd was part of trade rumors, and on February 19, 2008, he was traded back to the Dallas Mavericks.

Return to Dallas: NBA Champion (2008–2012)

Kidd during his second time as a Maverick

The Mavericks hoped Kidd would bring leadership to the team and help Dirk Nowitzki win an NBA championship. The Mavericks made the playoffs but lost in the first round.

In the 2008–09 season, Kidd helped the Mavericks upset the San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs. They reached the conference semifinals but lost to the Denver Nuggets.

In 2009, Kidd decided to re-sign with the Mavericks. In the 2009–10 season, the Mavericks finished second in their conference. However, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

Kidd drives to the basket in 2008

Jason Kidd finally won the NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks on June 12, 2011. They beat the Miami Heat team with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. This was Kidd's first and only championship in his career. The Mavericks had a great season, even with injuries to key players. Kidd helped the Mavericks win their first two playoff series. He also guarded Kobe Bryant in important moments. In the Western Conference finals, Kidd helped guard Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Dallas won that series and then defeated Miami in the NBA Finals. At 38 years old, Kidd became the oldest starting point guard to lead his team to a championship.

The 2011–12 season was Kidd's last with the Mavericks. The defending champions were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. On May 3, 2012, Kidd won his first NBA Sportsmanship Award.

New York Knicks: Final Playing Season (2012–2013)

Kidd as a Knick guarded by Washington's John Wall

On July 12, 2012, Kidd signed with the New York Knicks. He was expected to help mentor younger players. The Knicks started the 2012–13 season very well. Kidd, almost 40 years old, played many minutes per game. New York finished the season with 54 wins. They made it to the second round of the playoffs but lost to the Indiana Pacers. Kidd struggled during the playoffs, not making a field goal in his last 10 games. Many believed he was tired from playing too much during the regular season. Kidd retired on June 3, 2013, after 19 seasons in the NBA.

Coaching Career

Brooklyn Nets Head Coach (2013–2014)

On June 12, 2013, Jason Kidd was named the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. This was right after he retired as a player. In September 2013, Kidd even bought a small part of the team.

On October 17, 2013, the Nets retired his number 5 jersey. Kidd got his first win as a head coach against the Utah Jazz. He was fined $50,000 by the NBA for a funny incident. He told a player to bump into him and spill soda on the court to stop the game. This gave his team time to plan a play.

The Nets started the season with a tough record. Many people wondered if Kidd could coach a team of experienced players. However, the Nets improved a lot in 2014 and finished the season with a good record. Kidd started to get praise for his coaching. He was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month twice.

In the 2014 NBA playoffs, the Brooklyn Nets beat the Toronto Raptors in a close seven-game series. Kidd was the first rookie head coach to win a Game 7 on the road. However, the Nets then lost to the Miami Heat.

Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach (2014–2018)

Kidd giving instructions to Matthew Dellavedova during his time as Bucks coach

On July 1, 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks hired Kidd as their coach. The Bucks were one of the biggest surprises of the 2014–15 season. Under Kidd, the young team improved a lot. They went from winning only 15 games the year before to 41 wins and made the playoffs. Kidd was the first coach to lead two different teams to the playoffs in his first two years as a head coach.

The 2015–16 season was not as good for the Bucks, and they missed the playoffs. Kidd had hip surgery in December 2015. During his recovery, his assistant coach took over. Kidd made a smart move by having young star Giannis Antetokounmpo play as a point guard. This helped Antetokounmpo improve a lot.

The next season, Kidd led the Bucks back to the playoffs. They had a winning record despite injuries to key players. In the first round of the playoffs, they lost to the Toronto Raptors. On January 22, 2018, the Bucks fired Kidd after the team had a 23–22 record midway through the season.

Los Angeles Lakers Assistant Coach (2019–2021)

On July 31, 2019, Kidd became an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He won his second NBA championship when the Lakers beat the Miami Heat in the 2020 NBA Finals. This was his first championship as a coach.

Dallas Mavericks Head Coach (2021–Present)

Kidd gives an interview on the sidelines of the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship.

On June 28, 2021, Kidd was hired as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. In the 2021–22 season, Kidd helped the Mavericks win 52 games. He also helped turn the team's defense into one of the best in the NBA. Under Kidd, the Mavericks won their first two playoff series since their 2011 championship. They beat the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns, reaching the Western Conference finals. Many people said Kidd improved the team's culture. Their playoff run ended when they lost to the Golden State Warriors.

The 2022–23 season was not as successful, and the Mavericks missed the playoffs. However, Kidd was important in bringing Kyrie Irving to Dallas. On May 6, 2024, the Mavericks signed Kidd to a new contract. In 2024, Kidd led the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. They beat the Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves in the playoffs. In the Finals, the Mavericks lost to the Boston Celtics.

Amazing Career Achievements

• In 2007, Kidd recorded his 11th playoff triple-double. This put him in second place all-time for playoff triple-doubles.
• On April 16, 2008, Kidd got his 100th career triple-double.
• On March 2, 2009, Kidd became only the fourth player in NBA history to reach 10,000 assists.
• On April 5, 2009, Kidd passed Magic Johnson for third place on the all-time assist list.
• On November 26, 2009, Kidd moved into second place on the all-time assists list, passing Mark Jackson.
• On November 12, 2010, Kidd made his 11,000th career assist.
• On January 12, 2011, Kidd passed Dale Ellis for third place on the NBA career three-pointers made list.
• On February 20, 2012, Kidd passed Michael Jordan for second all-time in steals, behind only John Stockton.
• On February 8, 2013, Kidd reached 12,000 career assists.
• In 2013, Kidd became the first player to win the NBA Sportsmanship Award two years in a row.
• He finished his career as the only player in NBA history with 17,500 points, 12,000 assists, 8,000 rebounds, and 2,500 steals.

Playing for Team USA

Kidd (second from right) with U.S. President George W. Bush, Kobe Bryant, and Deron Williams at the 2008 Olympics

Jason Kidd played for the USA national basketball team many times. His first time was after his first year in college. He was the only freshman chosen for the team.

In 1999, Kidd helped Team USA win a gold medal in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. This earned them a spot in the 2000 Olympics. Kidd led the team in assists and steals.

In 2000, Kidd was one of Team USA's captains for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He led the team to an undefeated record and a gold medal.

Kidd was chosen for the 2002 World Championship Team but had to withdraw due to an injury. He came back in 2003 and helped Team USA win another gold medal in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. He also had to withdraw from the 2004 Olympic team due to another injury.

In 2007, Kidd played in the FIBA Americas Championship 2007. He helped the team win another gold medal and qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Kidd led the entire tournament in assist-to-turnover ratio.

In 2008, Kidd played in the 2008 Olympics. The team, known as the "Redeem Team" because of past losses, went undefeated and won the gold medal. This showed they were the best team in the world.

Overall, Kidd won five gold medals with the national team. Two were from the Olympics (2000, 2008) and three from Olympic qualifying tournaments.

Player Style and Legacy

Kidd shooting a jump shot in 2009

When Jason Kidd retired, he was second all-time in NBA history for both assists and steals, only behind John Stockton. He led the NBA in assists five times. His 107 career triple-doubles rank him sixth all-time. Kidd finished his career averaging 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He was known for his amazing passes and for helping his teammates score. Scoring points himself was not his main focus. Many people consider him one of the best rebounding guards ever. ESPN called him "one of the best passing and rebounding point guards in NBA history." In 2021, The Athletic ranked Kidd as the 36th greatest player in NBA history.

When he started his career, Kidd was not a good outside shooter. But he worked hard and became much better. When he retired, he was third all-time in the NBA for three-pointers made. The New York Times called this improvement "perhaps Kidd's biggest, and most surprising, transformation." Kidd said his NBA championship with Dallas and his two Olympic gold medals were the top highlights of his career.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Head Coaching Record

Images for kids

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  Kidd in 2014

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  Kidd with the Nets in 2006

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  Kidd during his second time as a Maverick

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  Kidd drives to the basket in 2008

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  Kidd as a Knick guarded by Washington's John Wall

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  Kidd giving instructions to Matthew Dellavedova during his time as Bucks coach

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  Kidd gives an interview on the sidelines of the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship.

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  Kidd (second from right) with U.S. President George W. Bush, Kobe Bryant, and Deron Williams at the 2008 Olympics

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  Kidd shooting a jump shot in 2009