Few athletes get to come full circle while they are chasing their championship dreams. But point guard extraordinaire Jason Kidd is doing exactly that, attempting to guide the Dallas Mavericks to an elusive NBA title.
It was Dallas who made Kidd the second overall selection in the 1994 NBA Draft, counting on the Cal product to make a smooth transition from college to the pros. He did just that, sharing the 1995 Rookie of the Year trophy with Grant Hill, but his stay in Texas was a short one. In the middle of the 1996-97 season, Kidd found himself headed to the Phoenix Suns as part of a six-player trade.
Kidd soon developed into one of the premier point guards in the NBA, and a threat to record a triple-double on any given night. His 1998-99 season was a great example, when he averaged 16.9 points, 10.8 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game.
The Suns were regulars in the playoffs during Kidd's time in the desert, but could never quite get over the hump. Thus, Kidd ended up changing teams again, going east to the New Jersey Nets before the 2001-02 season. And while his statistical excellence continued, his team found itself headed in the wrong direction. So in February of 2008, he made one more move - quite possibly the last of his career - as part of a big trade between the Nets and the Mavericks.
Whether Kidd helps lead Dallas to a championship or not, his resume puts him in exclusive company. He's one of only two players in NBA history to rack up at least 14,000 points, 6,600 rebounds and 9,000 assists, and his other career achievements leave him in the company of players like Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson. He's virtually a lock to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as soon as he becomes eligible.
Collectors are certainly aware of Kidd's prowess, but a ring would definitely give him a bit of a boost in the hobby. His Finest # 286 stands out among his 1994-95 rookie cards, most of which can be had for very reasonable prices.
Jason Kidd 1994-95 Rookie Cards
- Collector's Choice # 250
- Emotion # 20
- Finest # 286
- Flair # 202
- Fleer # 268
- Hoops # 317
- SkyBox Premium # 221
- SP # 2
- SP Championship # 49
- Stadium Club # 172
- Topps # 37
- Ultra # 43
- Upper Deck # 160