NBA's Greatest Players in History: Jason Kidd

• 10-time NBA All-Star and 6-time All-NBA First Team selection
• Led the NBA in assists five times and ranks second all-time in career assists
• Won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Jason Kidd was a transformative point guard who revolutionised the position with his exceptional court vision, rebounding prowess, and defensive tenacity.

Overview

Jason Kidd's illustrious 19-year NBA career solidified his status as one of the greatest point guards in league history. His unique combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allowed him to dominate games without necessarily being the primary scorer. Kidd's impact on the court was undeniable, consistently elevating the performance of his teammates and turning struggling franchises into contenders.

Career snapshot

Kidd entered the NBA as the second overall pick in the 1994 draft, selected by the Dallas Mavericks. He quickly made his mark, sharing Rookie of the Year honours with Grant Hill. Throughout his career, Kidd played for four teams: the Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks. His ability to transform teams was remarkable, often leading to significant improvements in win totals upon joining a new franchise.

Playing style

Kidd's playing style was characterised by his exceptional court vision, pinpoint passing, and rebounding ability that was unprecedented for a point guard. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate plays before they developed, often threading passes through impossibly tight windows. His size and strength allowed him to defend multiple positions effectively, making him a versatile asset on both ends of the court.

While not known as a prolific scorer early in his career, Kidd developed a reliable three-point shot later on, adding another dimension to his offensive arsenal. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways is evidenced by his 107 career triple-doubles, third-most in NBA history at the time of his retirement.

Why Jason Kidd is on our list

Jason Kidd's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his transformative impact on the game and his teams. His leadership and playmaking abilities were instrumental in turning the New Jersey Nets from a 26-win team to a 52-win team and two-time Eastern Conference champion in just his first two seasons with the franchise.

Kidd's longevity and consistency are also noteworthy. He made the playoffs in each of his final 17 seasons, demonstrating his ability to contribute at a high level well into his 30s. His basketball IQ and adaptability allowed him to remain effective even as his physical skills began to diminish.

Five Fast Facts

1. Kidd ranks second all-time in NBA career assists (12,091) and steals (2,684)
2. He is the only player in NBA history to record 15,000 points, 10,000 assists, and 7,000 rebounds
3. Kidd won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2000 and 2008
4. He finished his career as the NBA's third all-time leader in three-pointers made (1,988)
5. Kidd was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018

Career Highlights Timeline

1994: Selected 2nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Draft

1995: Named co-Rookie of the Year with Grant Hill

1996: Selected to his first NBA All-Star Game

2001: Traded to the New Jersey Nets, leading them to the NBA Finals in his first season

2002: Finished second in MVP voting, leading the Nets to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance

2008: Returned to the Dallas Mavericks via trade

2011: Won his first and only NBA championship with the Mavericks

2013: Retired from the NBA after one season with the New York Knicks

Jason Kidd's career is a testament to the impact a true floor general can have on the game of basketball. His ability to elevate his teammates' performance, coupled with his own versatile skill set, cements his legacy as one of the most dominant and influential point guards in NBA history. Kidd's journey from a dynamic young talent to a savvy veteran champion showcases the evolution of a truly great player, adapting his game to remain effective and relevant throughout nearly two decades in the league.

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