Jason Kidd and Jason Terry will always have the memories of a championship won together as players in Dallas. Now they’re trying to do it again —albeit in a slightly different capacity— in Milwaukee.
On Tuesday the Bucks announced the signing of Terry on Tuesday to be Coach Kidd’s newest veteran weapon and sharpshooter in Milwaukee and Jason told The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he believes there’s still plenty fuel left in The Jet’s tank.
“Jason will bring veteran leadership and shooting,” Coach Kidd said. “He’s a true pro on and off the court. Off the bench for sure he will help us with his knowledge. And I think he has some gas left.”
I would like to thank God, my family and @Bucks @RealJasonKidd for allowing me to continue my journey #18in pic.twitter.com/stGbQDb355
— Jason Terry (@jasonterry31) August 22, 2016
As Terry assessed his options on the open market this summer, the chance to join Kidd’s crew in Milwaukee stood out and when Jason and the Bucks came calling, it was an easy decision for the 17-year veteran. The Seattle native knew his status as one of the league’s most accomplished veterans would be welcomed—and he knew he’d be joining something special with a longtime friend at the helm.
“Right away, when you see their young nucleus, a guy like myself that’s been around 17 years now, going on 18, my veteran presence and leadership was going to be well-warranted and needed,” Terry said. “And then Jason Kidd. This is a relationship that goes beyond basketball. When some people call, you just answer the phone, and he’s one of them. I know what he’s trying to do and establish here, and I just want to be along to help in the process.”
The ever durable and valuable Terry spent the last two seasons with the Houston Rockets, where he played about 75 games per season including more than a dozen starts each year. Before that, he spent time with the Brooklyn Nets, playing under Jason in his first season as a coach, though he was limited by a knee injury during the 2013-14 campaign.
Prior to that, Terry had a spectacular eight-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks, which brought a Sixth Man of the Year honor in 2009, as well an NBA Championship in 2011. J-Kidd quarterbacked that 2010-11 championship squad, but Terry poured in 27 points in a decisive Game 6 to clinch the Mavs’ first title.
Entering his 18th season, Terry will turn 39 in September, and he’ll be the oldest player ever to wear a Bucks uniform.
“Plenty of fuel left in the Jet,” Terry said. “I’ve worked extremely hard this offseason to maintain my conditioning. Health is not an issue. My mind is still strong and I’m hungry—I’m eager to get out and work and contribute.”
