Just two days after veteran Grant Hill made his retirement announcement, Jason Kidd decided to go down the same path on Monday.
According to ESPN.com, Kidd announced he is retiring from the NBA after 19 seasons. He decided that this would be his last season shortly after the New York Knicks were eliminated from the playoffs.
“I think it is the right time,” Kidd told ESPNNewYork.com. “When you think about 19 years, it has been a heckuva ride. Physically, I want to be able to participate in activities with my kids so it has taken a toll. It is time to move on and think about maybe coaching or doing some broadcasting.”
The 40-year-old is sure to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, as he ends his career second all-time in assists, as a 10-time All-Star and as an NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
“The two things that are probably tied for first are winning a championship with the Mavericks and also being able to win a gold medal — two gold medals with Team USA,” Kidd said of what he’s most proud of in his career. “And then underneath that will probably be sharing Rookie of the Year with Grant [Hill].”
Kidd will be remembered for being one of the greatest floor generals of all-time. His ability to rebound and distribute the ball not only led to 107 career triple-doubles, but also to wins for his teams. As a part of playoff teams for 17 consecutive seasons to end his career, Kidd may be most remembered for being a winner and improving the teams he was on.
“The biggest thing is winning,” Kidd said of what he wants to be remembered for. “No matter what percentage, no matter what my numbers say in the sense of points, assists, rebounds and steals, it’s always been about winning. And it will always be about winning … making my teammates better.”
As a player, Jason Kidd will be missed by NBA fans, but it sounds like we’ll see in some capacity again; whether that be as a coach or a broadcaster.