The relationship between Jason Kidd and Luka Dončić extends beyond the typical player-coach dynamic. It's a narrative woven with mentorship, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of excellence. This connection was recently highlighted when Dončić's off-season body transformation became a prominent topic in NBA circles.
Dončić's Body Transformation
Before signing a three-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić dedicated himself to a rigorous off-season training regimen, resulting in a noticeable change in his physique. This body transformation didn't go unnoticed, even by his former coach, Jason Kidd.
Kidd's Acknowledgment
Jason Kidd, now the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, publicly acknowledged and praised Dončić's efforts. Ahead of a preseason game between the Mavericks and the Lakers, Kidd commented, "I think it's great what Luka has done this summer with his body. His game has gotten better…We respect what he's done with his body. We wish him the best of luck."
Kidd's words reflect not only his appreciation for Dončić's dedication but also his understanding of the impact that physical conditioning can have on a player's performance.
A History of Mentorship
The positive sentiment expressed by Kidd isn't surprising, considering their history. Kidd coached Dončić for 3.5 seasons in Dallas. There was a widespread belief that Kidd and Dončić would eventually lead the Mavericks to an NBA championship.
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The Trade to the Lakers
The Mavericks traded Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Concerns and Targeted Training
There were internal concerns during Dončić’s final year with the Mavericks that he weighed close to 280 pounds. To address these concerns, Dončić specifically targeted building lower-body strength with his trainers over the summer to avoid another injury this season.
Dončić's New Chapter with the Lakers
Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers. He played sparingly for the team in the preseason, as head coach JJ Redick opted to rest him following his performance at EuroBasket.
Kidd's Illustrious Career: From Player to Coach
Jason Frederick Kidd, born on March 23, 1973, is a name synonymous with basketball excellence. As a player, he was widely regarded as one of the most versatile point guards in NBA history. His achievements include being a 10-time NBA All-Star, a six-time All-NBA Team member, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He also represented the United States national team in 2000 and 2008, securing Olympic gold medals. In 2018, Kidd was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Steve Nash and Grant Hill.
Early Years and College Career
Kidd's journey began in San Francisco, where he was born, and he was raised in Oakland. His father, Steve, is African-American, and his mother, Anne, is Irish-American. He attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, where he led the Pilots to consecutive state championships under coach Frank LaPorte. His senior year statistics were impressive, averaging 25 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 7 steals. He received numerous individual honors, including the Naismith Award and being named Player of the Year by PARADE and USA Today.
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Kidd continued his basketball career at the University of California, Berkeley, playing for the Golden Bears. In his first year, he averaged 13.0 points, 7.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game, earning him national Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Pac-10 team. He set an NCAA record for most steals by a freshman (110) and a school record for most steals in a season. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 9.1 assists, breaking his previous school record for assists in a season (272) and leading the nation in that category. He was also named a First Team All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year.
NBA Career: A Legacy of Leadership and Skill
Kidd was drafted second overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1994 NBA draft. He shared NBA Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons in his first season. He played for the Phoenix Suns from 1996 to 2001 and the New Jersey Nets from 2001 to 2008, leading the Nets to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.
During the 1998-99 season, Kidd averaged 10.8 assists per game, becoming the league's assists leader. He led the NBA with seven triple-doubles and was second in the NBA with 41.2 minutes per game. He also averaged career highs in points (16.9 ppg), field goal percentage (.444), rebounds (6.8 rpg), and steals (2.28 spg).
In the middle of the 2007-08 season, Kidd was traded back to Dallas. At age 38, he won his only NBA championship when Dallas defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals. He finished his playing career in 2013 with the New York Knicks.
Coaching Career
The following season, Kidd became the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. After one season, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he coached for four seasons. Currently, he is the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.
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Mutual Respect and Competitiveness
Despite the trade and their current positions on opposing teams, the respect between Kidd and Dončić remains evident. Kidd acknowledged that Dončić would try to "kick our butt," and the Mavericks would try to do the same, emphasizing the competitive nature of the sport. He gave Dončić credit for working to be the best.
Jason Kidd: A Career of Impact and Influence
Jason Kidd's impact on the game extends beyond his individual accolades. He is known for his ability to elevate the performance of his teammates and lead teams to success. His leadership qualities were evident throughout his playing career and have translated into his coaching career.
Turning Around Franchises
Kidd has a proven track record of turning around franchises. He guided teams to championships and helped them achieve division titles for the first time in many years. His ability to instill a winning mentality and create a positive team environment has made him a respected figure in the NBA.
Retirement as a Player
After 19 seasons in the NBA, Kidd retired on June 3, 2013. He expressed gratitude to his teammates and coaches, reflecting on his incredible journey. Kidd's career was marked by numerous achievements, including an NBA title, two Olympic gold medals, and ranking second on the career list in assists and steals.