The Dallas Mavericks are 38-25 and sit fifth in the Western Conference. Currently, they are a mere two games back of the Utah Jazz for fourth place. Most recently, the team defeated one of the league’s premiere championship contenders – and did so with ease.
There was a lot of doom and gloom from various NBA analysts in the offseason after the team decided to hire Jason Kidd as head coach.
The Mavericks’ inevitable demise under his watch was greatly exaggerated. Not only is the squad playing well, but his unorthodox approach has been well received by Luka Doncic.
In light of how wrong analysts were regarding Kidd, many are now re-examining the role he played in the development of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This week, Kidd touched on that topic himself.
“Yeah, it’s just to be honest with those guys, teach them a little defense and help them be successful,” he told Sam Amick of The Athletic regarding his job in Dallas. “I don’t have to be hard. We don’t have to win every possession. But we want to compete. And just understand that my job is to help you. What are your goals?
“I did that in Milwaukee. I helped build one of the best players in the world (in Antetokounmpo), which some people give me credit (for) and some don’t — some don’t want to, whatever the fact.”
Kidd isn’t without his flaws. Your own son hating you is never a great sign. But as a coach, he is a lot better than folks have traditionally given him credit for.
Kenny Pickett’s girlfriend’s reaction to his tiny, tiny hands. https://t.co/f2uFiXWWrz
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 4, 2022
And just because his plans sometimes sound unconventional doesn’t mean they’re bad.
It will be interesting to see what the Mavericks do this year in the playoffs. If they can ultimately get past the first round, something they haven’t done with Doncic yet, then it’ll be hard to view Kidd as anything other than an unmitigated success in Dallas.
Related: LeBron James’ Awkward Exchange With Tyronn Lue Goes Viral
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
