10 fun and interesting Jason Kidd facts

1. Basketball Star with Unique Heritage

Jason Kidd, the renowned basketball player, is a product of a unique cultural background. His father, Steve, was African-American, while his mother, Anne, is Irish-American. This combination of cultures has had a profound influence on Kidd's life, from his upbringing to his career. He has often spoken of the importance of his parents' different backgrounds in helping him to develop a strong sense of identity and self-confidence.

Also → Grant Hill Honored with Jason Kidd

2. NBA Star & Co-Owner of Nets

Jason Kidd is a former NBA player who is now an NBA coach, and he also has a small ownership stake in the Brooklyn Nets. This is a unique situation, as it is rare for a former player to have an ownership stake in the team they once played for. Kidd's stake in the Nets is a testament to his long-standing relationship with the team, and his commitment to the organization.

Also → Patrick Ewing Inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

3. Jason Kidd Retires: 107 Triple-Doubles

Throughout his career, Jason Kidd was renowned for his remarkable ability to pass and rebound, making him a triple-double threat on a regular basis. His impressive career stats saw him retire ranked third all-time in the NBA for regular season triple-doubles, with an impressive 107, and second in playoff triple-doubles with 11. His remarkable skill set and longevity in the game have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

Also → Kevin Garnett: 2002 Olympic Gold Medal Winner

4. Basketball Legend

Jason Kidd is a basketball legend, having achieved an impressive ten All-Star selections, five All-NBA First Team selections, and nine All-Defensive Team selections during his illustrious career as a point guard in the NBA. His remarkable accomplishments have earned him a place among the greatest players in the history of the game.

Also → Gary Payton Inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

5. Jason Kidd's AAU Success Predicted His NBA Success

As a youth, Jason Kidd was highly sought after by AAU teams and tournaments, and he was rewarded for his talent with numerous all-star and MVP awards. He was a standout player in the competitive AAU circuit, and his awards are a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. His success in the AAU circuit was a precursor to his future success in the NBA, where he would go on to become a 10-time All-Star and a Hall of Fame inductee.

Also → Hakeem Olajuwon: The Greatest Basketball Player of All Time

6. The Youngest Player to Win an NBA Championship

As a young man, Jason Kidd was a regular at the city courts of Oakland, where he often found himself in a competitive battle against the future NBA Hall of Famer, Gary Payton. Kidd's determination and drive to win was evident even at a young age, as he was determined to prove himself against the future great. His competitive spirit and passion for the game of basketball was a sign of things to come, as he would go on to become one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.

Also → Shaquille O'Neal named one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

7. Basketball Legend

Jason Kidd is a basketball legend, having won an NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and two Olympic Gold Medals with Team USA in 2000 and 2008. His impressive career has seen him become one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.

Also → Michael Jordan: Greatest Basketball Player Ever?

8. Transitioning from player to head coach

Jason Kidd is a basketball legend, having achieved the rare feat of transitioning from player to head coach the season after his retirement. He is only the third person since the ABA-NBA merger to do so, joining the ranks of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Kidd's illustrious career as a player included 10 All-Star appearances, an NBA Championship, and two Olympic gold medals. His coaching career has been equally impressive, with a Coach of the Year award and a trip to the NBA Finals.

Also → Reggie Miller Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

9. Jason Kidd Honored as One of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans

On January 31, 2012, Jason Kidd was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans, a prestigious recognition that celebrates the best high school basketball players in the United States. Kidd, who was a McDonald's All American in 1992, was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the sport, including his 10 All-Star selections, two Olympic gold medals, and his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. His selection as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans is a testament to his remarkable career and his lasting legacy in the game of basketball.

Also → Kobe Bryant Named Top NBA Player of the 2000s

10. The Maverick Who Led Dallas to the Playoffs

Jason Kidd was an integral part of the Dallas Mavericks' "Three J's" in the early 2000s, alongside Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn. The trio was a force to be reckoned with, leading the Mavericks to the playoffs in each of their three seasons together. Kidd was the leader of the group, averaging a triple-double in the 2001-02 season and earning the NBA's Most Valuable Player award. His presence on the court was undeniable, and the Three J's will forever be remembered as one of the most successful trios in NBA history.