Dallas Introduces Jason Kidd as New Head Coach

On Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks introduced to the media both new head coach Jason Kidd and new general manager Nico Harrison. Kidd, who will begin his third tenure as a head coach in the NBA, has previously led the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, compiling a 183-190 (.491%) record before two years as an assistant coach with the LA Lakers. Kidd will be joining the Dallas organization for a third stint, as he was drafted by the Mavericks in 1994, winning co-Rookie of the Year (with Grant Hill) before being traded away late in 1996. He returned later in his career from 2007-2012, winning an NBA Championship in 2011. Back in late June, Kidd sent out the following tweet thanking the Lakers organization for his time, which includes an NBA Championship from last year's bubble in Orlando. 

Thank you @Lakers @JeanieBuss for the last two years and the opportunity to grow as a coach. Our championship season was unforgettable. Thrilled to return to the @dallasmavs organization and begin another chapter @mcuban! #MFFL pic.twitter.com/HN1FacKTzY

— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) June 28, 2021

One of the main items on the docket for Kidd will be to ensure that both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis not only play to their potential as individuals, but as teammates too. Kidd had the following to say about Porzingis: 

I think he's excited, he's ready to work, and I think you're going to see a different KP. This is a positive summer for him. He's healthy. I think he's really excited about this opportunity. I think he's a perfect fit for Luka. He has a skill set that a lot of people don't have in this league. As a coach, I'm very excited to be able to work with him.

Jason Kidd is up for the task of making the Luka Doncic-Kristaps Porzingis connection work 💯 pic.twitter.com/S2j8JK57C6

— Mavs Nation (@MavsNationCP) July 15, 2021

One thing that came up during the press conference was Kidd's past, specifically about his domestic violence charges that were laid by his ex-wife in 2001. Following conversations between Kidd and Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, the team felt comfortable enough to move forward with the hire. 

Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, a domestic-violence survivor, told @townbrad she had long conversations with new head coach Jason Kidd about his 2001 domestic-abuse charge + said Kidd agreed to address it at a July 15 news conference.https://t.co/g45Qi0tm05

— Rachel Bachman (@Bachscore) June 30, 2021

The Mavs don't appear to be finished when it comes to adding coaching depth. Rumor has it that they are looking to add Igor Kokoskov, who has spent nearly twenty years in the NBA as an assistant coach, as well as one year as head coach of the Phoenix Suns during their brutal 2018-19 season, when they went 19-63. He coached Doncic during EuroBasket 2017 as the Slovenian national team head coach. 

The Dallas Mavericks are targeting Fenerbahce head coach Igor Kokoskov to join Jason Kidd’s coaching staff, per league sources. Kokoskov won EuroBasket 2017 with Luka Doncic as the Slovenian national team head coach.

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 15, 2021

Hopefully Kidd can foster a dynamic relationship between Porzingis and Doncic, and lead the Mavericks deep into the playoffs. 

Photo Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports