Nets legend Jason Kidd isn't ruling out a return to the NBA sideline. After parting ways with the Mavericks, the Hall of Famer revealed why he still loves coaching and explained what he's been doing away from the bench.
Jason Kidd isn't closing the door on a return to the NBA sideline.
The former Brooklyn Nets head coach recently opened up about his coaching future after parting ways with the Dallas Mavericks earlier this year, making it clear that he still wants to coach again at some point.
Kidd was asked about his future during an interview with Rappler's Delfin Dioquino while he was in the Philippines for an NBA-related fan event.
"Yeah, I think I love coaching. I love to watch players get better. I want to win. I want to help the team win," Kidd said. "And so I would never say no to coaching. Maybe somewhere down the future, but also right now I'm just at home really trying to enjoy my family."
Kidd added that he's still trying to help players even while he's away from the bench.
"And then also just watching the game and seeing if I can help others still from the coaching side," Kidd said. "I'm always talking to Jalen Brunson and to Giannis. So just trying to help others now that I'm not coaching."
Kidd and the Mavericks mutually agreed to part ways in May following a 26-56 season in Dallas. He finished his five-year run with the organization with a 205-205 regular-season record and led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024.
For Nets fans, Kidd's comments are another reminder of the unique place he holds in the franchise's history.
Kidd was named the Nets' head coach in 2013, just months after retiring from a Hall of Fame playing career. He took over a Brooklyn team that featured veterans such as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams and helped guide the team to a 44-38 record during his first season.
That season ended with Kidd leading the Nets to the second round of the playoffs, where they eventually lost to the Miami Heat. Brooklyn's first-round series against the Toronto Raptors was especially memorable, as the Nets won a Game 7 on the road. Kidd became the first rookie head coach in NBA history to win a Game 7 on the road.
Kidd also received recognition for his work that season, earning Eastern Conference Coach of the Month honors twice.
His time in Brooklyn ultimately lasted just one season. The Nets and Kidd parted ways in 2014, with Kidd subsequently becoming the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Brooklyn traded his coaching rights to Milwaukee in exchange for two second-round draft picks.
Despite his short tenure as the Nets' coach, Kidd's connection to the organization goes back much further.
Kidd is one of the most important players in Nets history. He led the franchise to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003 and became the face of the team during one of the most successful stretches in its history.
His No. 5 jersey was retired by the Nets in 2013, shortly after he was hired as the team's head coach.
Kidd's playing career eventually earned him induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. His coaching career has included stops with the Nets, Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and Mavericks, and he won an NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Lakers in 2020.
Now, Kidd is taking some time away from the NBA coaching grind.
He's still keeping a close eye on the league, though, and remains in contact with some of the players he has coached. Kidd specifically mentioned Brunson and Giannis Antetokounmpo, two players he worked with during his time in Dallas and Milwaukee.
For now, Kidd seems content spending time with his family and watching the game from a different perspective.
But if the right opportunity eventually comes along, it sounds like Kidd would have a hard time saying no.
After all, he still loves coaching. And at 53 years old, there's plenty of time for another chapter on an NBA bench.
