Former Bucks Coach Jason Kidd Nears NBA Finals with Dallas Mavericks
In a stunning turn of events, former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd finds himself on the brink of an NBA Finals appearance with the Dallas Mavericks. After guiding the Mavericks to victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kidd inches closer to a historic milestone in his coaching career.
Kidd, who helmed the Bucks for 3½ seasons from 2014 to 2018, has been at the helm of the Mavericks for the past three seasons. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including a rocky start with the Bucks, Kidd has steadily honed his coaching skills, leading the Mavericks to the brink of championship contention.
If Kidd manages to steer the Mavericks to victory in the Western Conference finals, he will become the first Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame player to coach in an NBA Finals since Paul Westphal with the Phoenix Suns in 1993. This achievement would solidify Kidd’s legacy as both a player and a coach in the annals of basketball history.
Kidd’s journey with the Bucks was characterized by highs and lows. Despite early success in his first season, where he orchestrated an impressive turnaround from a franchise-worst record to a playoff berth, Kidd struggled to maintain consistent performance in subsequent seasons. His tenure ultimately came to an end in January 2018 amid mounting pressure and underwhelming results.
Now, as Kidd stands on the cusp of potential glory with the Mavericks, his journey comes full circle, showcasing resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of professional basketball. With the NBA Finals within reach, Kidd’s coaching prowess and leadership will be put to the ultimate test as he seeks to etch his name in basketball lore once again.