Fansided

30 players who define each NBA franchise

By Adam McGee

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 31
Next

147. . PG. New Jersey Nets 2001-08. Jason Kidd. #5. player

Honorable Mentions: Buck Williams, Julius Erving, Richard Jefferson

Apr 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Bucks defeated the Celtics 110 to 101. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Bucks defeated the Celtics 110 to 101. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

It feels unfair that Jason Kidd’s NBA championship ultimately came as a member of the Dallas Mavericks towards the end of his career, considering it was with the Nets to whom the legendary point guard had given his best years.

The Nets are yet to experience the thrill of winning an NBA title, but no man has brought them closer since their move over from the ABA than Kidd. The San Francisco native arrived in New Jersey to find a team that had been a pushover for years, and possessed little talent to work with.

It’s a testament to just how influential Kidd was at the peak of his powers that those around him mattered very little though. With no more than an exceptionally young squad of players like Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson, Kidd led the Nets to back-to-back Finals where they were beaten by the Lakers in 2002 and then the Spurs in 2003.

He plays with passion, he plays with love, he’s a winner. He’s going to win games for you. He transforms a whole team. – Doug Collins

It was fitting that when his playing days were done that Kidd came back to Brooklyn to start his coaching career. A good first season shaped his development, and although the split between both sides was acrimonious thereafter, it would take a lot more than that to taint Nets fans’ memories of Jason Kidd as a player.

Next: Charlotte Hornets

Home/Atlanta Hawks