After leading the Dallas Mavericks to the playoffs, many analysts believe head coach Jason Kidd has earned a contract extension. Dallas Morning News writer Brad Tozend believes Kidd's long-term future in Dallas will still depend on the Mavs' performance this postseason.
Tausend said the organization's new owners, led by Patrick Dumont, are still evaluating how the Mavs perform in this year's playoffs before deciding on Kidd's future with the team.
“Maybe the family of new Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, who purchased majority ownership of the team in late December, is waiting on the outcome of this postseason before considering a contract extension. ”Tousend wrote in an article published on April 20 last year.
Despite the circumstances surrounding his head coaching tenure, Kidd has been praised by fans, media, and most importantly, for finding a way to have two superstars, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, coexist in the same backcourt. , has received praise from the Mavs' front office. Turned them into perhaps the best 1-2 combo in the NBA.
In a previous interview with the Dallas Morning News, Mavs general manager Nico Harrison said Kidd and his coaching team sacrificed some key aspects of their games to allow Doncic and Irving to play at a high level. He said he should be praised.
“The coaches have done a great job. One, when you have two superstar players, first and foremost, get them to play together at a high level, respect each other's play, and get them together. It's about making plays, but you always have to step away from your game a little bit for the team to be successful,'' Harrison said in a Q&A interview with the Dallas Morning News published April 12 of last year. .
It's great to be able to do that. Jason and his staff delivered on a high level. If that doesn't happen, we won't succeed. ”
NBA officials say it's natural for Jason Kidd to sign contract extension
NBA insider Marc Stein believes it's “natural” for Kidd to sign a contract extension given what he's done for the Mavs throughout the 2023-24 NBA season.
“As covered in the article above about Irving's first year and more in Dallas, Doncic and Irving defy countless skeptics (including yours truly) and form one of the strongest teams in the league. Kidd's presence was an unquestionable plus in the equation that made this partnership possible. Therefore, it seems natural for Kidd to extend before the final year of his current contract. ” Stein said in his report.
If no extension is reached this offseason, Kidd will be entering the final year of his contract with the Mavs. Terms of his current contract were not disclosed.
Kid's path to justice begins now.
After head coaching stints in Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Los Angeles (as an assistant), Kidd arrived in Dallas with hopes that he could turn Doncic, then an up-and-coming superstar, into the centerpiece of a perennial title contender. .
Kidd's first year as head coach in Dallas looked promising as he led the Mavericks to their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2011, when Kidd won his only championship as a player with the Mavs.
Unfortunately, his second season did not go well. The Mavs went 38-44 in the regular season, missing out on his final play-in spot by two games. Also, during the 2022-23 season, Dallas acquired Irving in a midseason trade with the Nets, but the superstar struggled to properly integrate with the team.
With a solid training camp, and the arrival of game-changing role players Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, the Mavs have positioned themselves as dark horse candidates this season with Doncic and Irving at No. 1. was rapidly established. lead.
When asked if he felt vindicated by proving his doubters wrong, Kidd said only a championship would make him feel that way.
“Justified? No, the goal is to win a championship. I had the opportunity to do it as a player and [assistant] coach.I would like to try it again this time [head] Coach,” Kidd told reporters via the Dallas Morning News.
