“A lot of late nights in the gym, a lot of early mornings, especially when your friends are going out, you’re going to the gym, those are the sacrifices that you have to make if you want to be an NBA basketball player,” Jason Kidd once noted. It’s a fact that only a handful of players leave a lasting impact in the NBA. One of the few hoopers is Jason Kidd. Once the only player in NBA history with 17,500 points, 12,000 assists, 8,000 rebounds, and 2,500 steals to now a storied coaching career.

Let’s explore his journey from being a rookie in the biggest hoops league to spearheading the Dallas Mavericks. As we explore Kidd’s contract and impressive NBA journey, we also gain insight into the impact he continues to make in the world of basketball.

From local courts in San Francisco to the University of Arizona: Jason Kidd’s baby steps

Born on March 23, 1973, in the Bay Area, in the heart of San Francisco, a young Jason Kidd would often be found on the bustling city courts, battling future legends like Gary Payton. He always made maximum use of the platform to showcase his talents and won multiple awards during his time at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, the AUU team, and the East Oakland Youth Development Center.

This includes the Naismith Award, Player of the Year, various all-star, MVP awards, California Player of the Year, and McDonald’s All-Americans. In the reign of Frank LaPorte, he had led the Pilots to consecutive state championships. Kidd received offers from many top-ranked college programs, including the University of Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, and Ohio State University. But he shook everyone by choosing the University of California, Berkeley, a team that never won a conference title since 1960.

The young boy who brought the University of California’s basketball back on the NCAA map

Jason Kidd continued his legacy with the Golden Bears. In his freshman year, he averaged 13.0 points, 7.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game and as a result, he was given the national Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Pac-10 team. The youngster’s record-breaking 110 steals (most by a freshman in the NCAA) and 220 assists helped the Golden Bears earn an NCAA Tournament bid. They went on to beat two-time defending national champion Duke but then lost their Sweet 16 game to Kansas.

In his second year, Jason Kidd averaged 16.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 3.1 steals per game, breaking his own school record with 272 assists. He went on to earn his first Team All-American honors (the first Cal hooper to be named since 1968) and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year (the first soph to receive the honor). The Golden Bears reached the NCAA Tournament but crashed out in the first round. It was in 1994 that Kidd opted for the NBA draft, and in 2004, the University of California retired his No. 5 jersey.

How did Jason Kidd make it big in the NBA? From the “Three J’s” to beating the “Big Three”

Hopes were high as one of the best college hoopers opted for the NBA draft. And just like that, the Dallas Mavericks selected him as their 2nd overall pick. He made a quick impact averaging 11.7 points and 7.7 assists in his first pro season. This led Jason Kidd to share the Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill of Detroit Pistons.

In 1996, he was voted a starter in the All-Star Game! Remember the young and exciting “Three J’s”? Kidd became part of “Three J’s” in Dallas with Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn. Although they never won a title, they transformed a struggling Mavs into a competitive force. However, with Kidd and Jackson fighting over personal issues, their legacy came to an end in the 1996-97 season. As a result, all three were traded. Kidd was traded to the Suns, Mashburn to the Heat, and Jackson to the New Jersey Nets.

During Jason Kidd’s journey in Phoenix, he led the league in assists for 3 consecutive years (1999-2001). He thrived in a fast-paced system, dazzling fans with his court vision and unmatched playmaking ability. By then he had already risen to the top arguably as the league’s best playmaker, as he was voted to NBA All-Defensive Team and All-NBA First Team for the same 3-year timeframe.

After five seasons with the Suns, he was traded in 2001 to the New Jersey Nets. Under his guidance, the young Nets’ roster elevated their performances, leading to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.

In 2008 he returned to the Dallas Mavericks, and in 2011, at 38, Jason Kidd played a crucial role in securing the franchise’s first championship. There he defeated superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, the ‘Big Three’ of the Miami Heat.

After 19 seasons, Jason Kidd retired, with his career taking an eventual downturn with injuries and declining performance. In 2013, which was his final season with the Knicks, he posted career lows, and after a disappointing playoff exit, he realized it was time to step away. Yet, his love for basketball didn’t stop there. He quickly transitioned into coaching, becoming head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in June 2013. With a deep understanding of the game, he was eager to mentor young talent and apply his leadership skills in a new way.

From a tenured NBA superstar to a head coach: Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd began his coaching career in 2013 with the Brooklyn Nets, as their head coach. In his first season, he guided the team to a 44-38 record and into the playoffs. His leadership abilities sparkled brightly in the playoffs as he led the Nets to a thrilling seven-game series triumph over the Toronto Raptors. Here he made history as the first rookie head coach to win a Game 7 while playing away!

He then moved to the Bucks, in 2014, where he transformed their struggles in just a year. He led them to 41 wins and the playoffs. Despite a stunning start, the 2nd season was tougher. With injuries to key players, his focus was evident in developing the game of younger stars, noticeably Giannis Antetokounmpo.

With the Los Angeles Lakers, Jason Kidd then became the assistant, where he played a part in leading them to victory in the 2020 NBA Championship. Just like his playing career, it was his return to the Dallas Mavericks that sparked a triumph.

Under his leadership, the Mavericks achieved a 52-30 record in the 2021-22 season, their best since Kidd played for the team, and reached the Western Conference Finals. This run exemplified his talent and skill for enhancing organizational culture and creating a favorable atmosphere. Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals in the 2023-24 season is the closest they’ve come to winning a title since 2011.

How much does Jason Kidd earn?

Jason Kidd’s coaching journey with the Mavericks is built on significant achievements. Since being hired in 2021, the contract he signed was for 4 seasons, until 2024-25, valued at about $34 million. So, here he earned $8,500,000 per season.

However, according to ESPN, in May 2024, he signed a multiyear contract extension with the Mavericks, but the details are yet to be disclosed. How will his unique combination of playing and coaching skills influence Dallas’ pursuit of a title? Only time will tell!