Jason Kidd transitioned from a high school standout in Alameda to a significant figure in professional basketball, initially drafted as the second overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. Over a career spanning nearly two decades as a player and subsequent years as a coach, he achieved distinction for his court vision, passing accuracy, and defensive contributions across multiple franchises.
Formative Years and College
Born in San Francisco in 1973 and raised in Oakland, Kidd attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School. Under coach Frank LaPorte, he secured state championships and individual accolades, including the Naismith Award. He bypassed major collegiate programs to attend the University of California, Berkeley. During two seasons with the Golden Bears, he set school and NCAA records for steals and assists, earning Freshman of the Year honors and First Team All-American status before declaring for the 1994 NBA draft.
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Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, Kidd shared the 1995 Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill. His career included tenures with the Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks. He led the Nets to consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. In 2011, he secured his only NBA championship during his second stint with the Mavericks. Upon retirement in 2013, he ranked third in NBA history for career assists and steals, alongside 107 regular-season triple-doubles.
Coaching Transitions
Kidd began his coaching career in 2013 with the Brooklyn Nets. He later led the Milwaukee Bucks for four seasons and served as an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing to their 2020 championship. Since returning to the Dallas Mavericks as head coach in 2021, he has guided the franchise to the Western Conference finals and an appearance in the 2024 NBA Finals.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, San Francisco
- College: University of California, Berkeley
- NBA Draft: 1994, second overall pick
- Primary Position: Point guard
- NBA Championship: 2011
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2018, 2025
- Languages: English
- Religion: Catholicism
Questions readers ask
Which teams did Jason Kidd play for in the NBA?
He played for the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks.
What major coaching achievements has he recorded?
He won an NBA championship as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and coached the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics
