Commentary: Jason Kidd’s Amorphous Contribution

Since entering the league over 15 years ago, Jason Kidd has always been able to identify his team’s needs and fill them to the best of his 6’4″, 200 pound body’s ability. Through and through he’s grabbed necessary rebounds, fed his team’s hot hand in the right place at the right time, and dictated tempo with unparalleled decision making prowess. In these playoffs he’s decided to play the role of secondary scorer, an identity he’s rarely assumed since beginning his second stint as a Maverick, and the jury remains out on whether it’s a good move or not. Kidd leads all playoff competitors in three point attempts with 29, and he has one more rebound than assist—rare for every other point guard apart from Kidd and maybe Rajon Rondo. A few days ago the Wall Street Journal posted some interesting statistics dealing with Kidd and how much he’s relied on the three-point shot this season. 

Shook Ankles: When Kidd Was A Kid

 

We’re bringing it way back on this one. Jason Kidd, a first ballot Hall of Famer, two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner, and All-Generation point guard, is now 37-years-old. My how time flies. I know this clip of a much younger, capable, faster Kidd makes Mavericks fans sad (in last night’s loss to New Orleans, he missed all seven shots he took, scoring all three points from the free thrown line) but the Rowdy Roddy Frenchman currently waiting in the wings should spice that franchise up as the years pour by.  Take a minute and reminisce greatness at its most divine hour.  Jason Kidd not only crosses up Ron Harper—a man whose wingspan resembles a small couch—but almost like he’s thinking two steps ahead of the defense, reverses direction and blows by Scottie Pippen, a phenomenal one on one defender. Just a glorious move from a glorious player.

 

Shook Ankles: Where Brandon Jennings Looks Amused

Not sure how Jason Kidd flew so far here, but he did. This has to be the smallest amount of effort ever put forth in the embarrassment of a first ballot Hall of Famer. Just a terrible, terrible spill.