Jason Kidd
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Jason Frederick Kidd (born March 23, 1973 in San Francisco, California) is the starting point guard for the New Jersey Nets of the NBA. He led to Nets to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances (2002 and 2003) and is considered one of the best players in the game today, being a regular triple-double threat and in fact is fourth all-time in the NBA with a career total of 67 as of April 19th, 2005. In addition he is one of the top 'floor generals' in the game and a crafty defender who has a knack for stealing the ball, which often leads to immediate points via his legendary fastbreak skills. Kidd is considered by many one of the greatest passers and facilitators of the fastbreak in basketball history. Many who have played with him and against him have said he is faster with the ball than without it, notwithstanding the fact that this is probably physically impossible.
Kidd attended the University of California, Berkeley for two years before opting to enter the NBA Draft in 1994. He was selected as the second pick overall by the Dallas Mavericks, behind Glenn Robinson of Purdue; that year he shared Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons who was picked third. He was a member of the "Three J's" in Dallas along with Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn, and it was hoped that the trio would lead Dallas for years to come; however, that plan was not to come to fruition, as all three found themselves playing for other teams shortly thereafter.
He was traded to the Phoenix Suns along with Tony Dumas and Loren Meyer for Michael Finley, A.C. Green, and Sam Cassell during the 1996-1997 season and later to the New Jersey Nets for Stephon Marbury. Kidd was named to the All-NBA First Team for four consecutive seasons (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002). He also made the All-NBA First Team in 2004. He is also a seven-time All-Star, making the game in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, being voted by the fans as a starter for four of those games. Kidd also led the NBA in assists for five seasons (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004).
The 2001-02 season saw Kidd finish second to the Spurs' Tim Duncan in MVP voting. Many have argued that Kidd was the more deserving candidate due to the dramatic turnaround he helped perform in New Jersey- transforming the Nets from perennial doormats into championship contenders seemingly in the space of a single training camp. He is sometimes referred to as "Ason Kidd" as his J - or jump shot - can go missing at vital stages. Overall however, Kidd has demonstrated both a strong will to win and the ability to do whatever is needed towards that end- as manifested in such ways as his perennially-strong player efficiency rating and the number of wins his teams compile. Many players have considered it a great privilege to play with Kidd because of his ability to make other players look good, primarily through his much-heralded passing skills. He has also demonstrated both an ability to submerge his ego towards the goal of team success and to empower his teammates through low-key and good-natured yet firm leadership. Though not a consistent shooter Kidd does possess three-point shot ability and the ability to be a complementary scorer. Overall he is recognised as one of the top point guards of the NBA, arguably a rare breed in this day and age and somewhat of a throwback type.
In January of 2001, Jason Kidd was arrested and pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge for assaulting his wife. As part of his plea, Jason was ordered to attend anger management classes. Kidd completed the mandatory counseling (but continued to attend on his own) and he and his wife reconciled. The couple has three children.
On July 1, 2004, Kidd underwent microfracture surgery to repair a damaged knee. He made a full recovery and returned to the court in December of that year.
Jason Kidd pleads guilty to domestic abuse (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/kiddmug1.html)
| 2000 Olympic Champions Men's Basketball |
| Shareef Abdur-Rahim | Ray Allen | Vin Baker | Vince Carter | Kevin Garnett | Tim Hardaway | Allan Houston | Jason Kidd | Antonio McDyess | Alonzo Mourning | Gary Payton | Steve Smith |
| Coach Rudy Tomjanovich |