After appearing in the NBA Finals last June, the Dallas Mavericks will soon kick off the 2024-25 NBA season. Following their loss in the Finals, the Mavericks executed a highly effective offseason roster overhaul, signing Klay Thompson, who is regarded as the most sought-after free agent in the franchise’s history.
This achievement was made possible by the Mavericks’ resurgence in credibility over recent seasons, transforming their reputation after years of mediocrity during Dirk Nowitzki’s final years with the team.
The signing of Jason Kidd as head coach before the 2021-22 season was crucial in this transformation. Kidd has changed the organization’s perspective and reinvented himself as a head coach, guiding the team to two appearances in the Western Conference Finals within the last three seasons.
Nonetheless, skepticism remains regarding Kidd’s effectiveness as an NBA head coach. Recently, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports ranked him as the 18th-best coach in the league.
Quinn attributes Kidd’s lower ranking to his previous struggles in adapting lineups during his tenures with Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Nevertheless, he also acknowledged Kidd’s success in guiding Dallas through two deep playoff runs in recent years.
While Quinn’s assessment of Kidd appears to be reasonable, it seems to underestimate the significant progress Kidd has made in making in-game adjustments as well as achieving playoff success in Dallas.
While it may be objectively inaccurate to label Kidd as the top coach in the league based on his overall track record, ranking him 18th after leading Dallas to the NBA Finals is rather disrespectful.
For context, Quinn placed Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla 11th in the league, despite Mazzulla coaching for only one season, even though he secured an NBA Championship last season.
Although Kidd had a talented roster last season, the ability to attract skilled players stems from his reputation as a player’s coach, a status earned through his successful playing career. This reputation was instrumental in the Mavericks signing Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson to multi-year contracts in recent seasons.
Kidd has opportunities to improve in certain areas as a coach, such as being more decisive in adjusting his rotation promptly. However, labeling him as merely the 18th best coach in the league is absurd.
Should Kidd underperform next season with what is arguably one of the deepest rosters he has ever managed, this ranking from Quinn may gain more validity. However, all indications suggest Kidd is poised for further improvement next season, given his consistent progression as a coach during his tenure in Dallas.
Assessing Jason Kidd: Is Ranking Him 18th Among NBA Coaches Disrespectful?
When it comes to evaluating NBA coaches, opinions often vary widely, with rankings sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. Recently, Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, was ranked 18th among NBA coaches. This ranking has led to discussions about whether it is a fair assessment of his coaching abilities or a sign of disrespect towards a former NBA superstar. In this article, we will delve into Kidd’s coaching career, examining his accomplishments, coaching style, and impact on the game, to see if the 18th place ranking truly reflects his value as an NBA coach.
Jason Kidd’s Coaching Career Overview
Before we dive into the details of his ranking, let’s take a closer look at Jason Kidd’s coaching career so far.
- Start as an Assistant Coach: Kidd began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.
- Head Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks: He took over as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014, leading the team to the playoffs in 2015.
- Time with the Los Angeles Lakers: After a brief hiatus, Kidd served as an assistant coach with the Lakers, where he helped develop their young talent.
- Return to Dallas Mavericks: In 2021, Kidd was hired as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, where he quickly made an impact by leading the team to the playoffs.
Coaching Accomplishments
Milwaukee Bucks Tenure
During his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kidd had a significant influence on the team’s culture and development.
- Led the Bucks to the playoffs in 2015.
- Helped in the development of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker.
- Implemented a fast-paced, modern style of play that focused on ball movement and spacing.
Dallas Mavericks Impact
Jason Kidd took the reins of the Mavericks with the goal of reviving a franchise that had seen its share of ups and downs. His impact can be summarized as follows:
- Increased the Mavericks’ offensive efficiency, utilizing Luka Dončić’s unique skill set.
- Implemented defensive strategies that improved the team’s performance on that end of the floor.
- Led the Mavericks to the playoffs in his first year as head coach.
Coaching Style and Philosophy
Kidd’s coaching style is characterized by a few key elements that set him apart from his peers.
- Emphasis on Player Development: Kidd prioritizes the growth of young players, focusing on their skills and basketball IQ.
- Adapting to Player Strengths: He tailors his strategies to maximize the strengths of his star players, particularly Luka Dončić.
- Defensive Focus: Kidd believes that a strong defense is foundational for winning games, which has been evident in his coaching approach.
Comparative Analysis with Other Coaches
To better understand where Kidd stands among his peers, let’s compare his achievements with other notable NBA coaches ranked above him.
| Coach | Team | Playoff Appearances | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Kerr | Golden State Warriors | 8 | 4 |
| Mike Budenholzer | Milwaukee Bucks | 7 | 1 |
| Monty Williams | Phoenix Suns | 3 | 0 |
| Doc Rivers | Philadelphia 76ers | 16 | 1 |
| Jason Kidd | Dallas Mavericks | 2 | 0 |
Why the 18th Ranking May Be Disrespectful
Considering Kidd’s achievements and coaching style, one might argue that ranking him 18th could be seen as disrespectful for several reasons:
- Legacy as a Player: Kidd is one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, and his basketball IQ transfers into his coaching style.
- Recent Success: Kidd has quickly turned the Mavericks into a competitive team, demonstrating his ability to adapt and lead effectively.
- Influence on Young Players: His focus on player development, particularly with rising stars, reflects a coaching philosophy that prioritizes long-term success.
Case Studies: Teams Transformed Under Kidd
Jason Kidd’s influence is evident in specific cases of player transformations and team dynamics.
Luka Dončić
Under Kidd’s guidance, Luka Dončić has blossomed into one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Some of the improvements include:
- Enhanced decision-making in clutch situations.
- Improved defensive awareness and effort.
- Increased assists, showcasing his ability to distribute the ball effectively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
During his time with the Bucks, Kidd was instrumental in the development of Giannis, helping him to:
- Refine his outside shooting.
- Develop a more versatile offensive game.
- Become a two-time MVP and NBA champion.
First-Hand Experience: Players Speak on Kidd
Players frequently speak highly of Kidd’s coaching style, emphasizing his ability to connect with them on and off the court. Here are a few testimonials:
- Luka Dončić: “Coach Kidd has helped me understand the game better. His insights are invaluable.”
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Kidd believed in me when I was just starting. His confidence pushed me to work harder.”
Practical Tips for Assessing NBA Coaches
When evaluating NBA coaches, here are some factors to consider:
- Player Development: Look at how well coaches develop young talent.
- Team Performance: Assess improvements in team performance year over year.
- Adaptability: Consider how a coach adapts strategies to fit their players’ strengths.
- Playoff Success: Look at playoff appearances and performance against tough competition.
The Future for Jason Kidd
As Kidd continues to lead the Mavericks, the question remains: will his ranking improve? With his track record of player development and team success, it’s likely that as he further establishes his coaching legacy, perceptions of his ranking may shift.
