Mavericks hire Jared Dudley as Assistant Coach

Jared Dudley, the 14-year NBA veteran and 2019-2020 NBA champion, has agreed to become an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks next season. Shams Charania reported earlier today that Dudley will be a front-of-bench assistant to the newly appointed head coach Jason Kidd:

After 14 NBA seasons, Jared Dudley has agreed to a deal to become an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Dudley will be a front of the bench assistant under new head coach Jason Kidd.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 24, 2021

In his 14 seasons, Dudley averaged 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists as well as an effective field goal percentage of just under 55%, according to basketball-reference.com. The forward is widely regarded around the league as a professional, down-to-earth team player, making his new coaching position potentially huge for the Mavericks. Even LeBron appears to be sad to see Dudley leave the Lakers:

LeBron is gonna miss Jared Dudley for sure 😢 pic.twitter.com/2fulVNWaTm
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) August 24, 2021

With Dudley working under Kidd and alongside Darrell Armstrong, the Mavs now boast a coaching staff with a combined 47 years of on-court NBA experience. If everything goes according to plan, Dudley will likely play a major role in developing the team's promising young roster. Dudley himself expressed his excitement for the opportunity:

I been preparing this moment for a long time! From deep talks With Nash, Hill, Shaq, Bron, Booker, Beal, AD, Giannis the list goes on.. Very excited to Join the MAVS and JKidd staff! Perfect fit and opportunity… Time to get to work
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 24, 2021

Look out for the Mavs next season.