While Jason Kidd is on a journey to find the coveted championship ring this season, he will be approaching and likely passing one milestone after another in his already remarkable career.

The veteran is currently only 136 assists away from passing Mark Jackson, who sits at No. 2 on the all-time assist list. No. 1 on all-time assist list is none other than John Stockton (3,265).


Jason snatches a rebound against Houston, Oct. 23, 2009 (Getty Images).

ECHOES OF STOCKTON
As much as J-Kidd loves to distribute the ball, when he records his 10th steal this season, he will pass No. 6 on the list, Clyde Drexler. J-Kidd has accumulated 2,198 steals throughout his career.

No. 1 on the list: again, it’s John Stockton, with 3,265 steals.

J-Kidd talked to the Star-Telegram about how he’s perfected the art of hardwood thievery:

“Just being around the ball, seeing the floor and knowing what other players are likely to do is important. Look back at Stock’s career. At both ends of the court, he was involved in just about every play. I don’t think he gets enough credit for his career. People talk about championships and we all want to win them. But some of the guys who don’t still have some of the best careers. Stock put those numbers so far out there, I don’t know if anybody will ever touch them.”

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle also attributed J-Kidd’s success to his invaluable skill and knowledge.

“He has a special sense for defensive anticipation. Guys that have that unusual trait get a lot of steals without a lot of missed steal opportunities that leave a defense vulnerable. And he’s got a very good assist-to-turnover ratio, which is difficult for a guy who plays the game at a fast pace and makes as many passes as he does. Plus, the strength of Kidd’s will is infectious.”

Shawn Marion also chimed in about his teammate.

“J. Kidd’s one of the guys who really gets the ball up the floor and loves the advantage. When you’ve got guys like that who are willing to throw the ball up the floor and advance it, you’ve got to take advantage of it and make it effective. I can’t wait to see how our break develops with J. Kidd.”

FOREVER A KIDD
Even at age 36, J-Kidd has no plans of slowing down. His passion drives him up and down the court every day. As he told the Express-News:

“What you want is just to compete. When you go against the best players in the league, that’s fun. To have the opportunity to be on a good team, and one that’s going to compete on a nightly basis, that definitely helps.”

He went on to talk about how he feels this season and his plans for the future.

“I feel great. I felt great last season, too, even after the Olympics. But this was the first summer I’ve really gotten some rest. It was something new to me and my body, but I invited it and welcomed it and did get that rest this summer. Until I can’t be competitive, or help, I’m going to continue (playing). I love the competition. I still feel I can help a team win. It might not be by scoring 20 points a night. It might not be by having 15 assists a night, but just my will and my smarts and my experience can help us get some victories down the road."

ENDING THE PRE-SEASON WITH A BANG
J-Kidd ended the pre-season in true all-star fashion with a double-double. No. 2 racked up 14 points, led the Mavs with 10 assists and chipped in 7 boards in the 98-94 win against the Houston Rockets. The Mavs will head into the regular season with a 5-2 pre-season record.

MR. CLUTCH
No. 2 got noting but net on a 22-footer with just over a minute left to put the Mavs up 90-87. He then sank six consecutive free throws in the last 26 seconds of the game to seal the victory.

NEXT UP
With the pre-season in the books, it’s time for J-Kidd and the Mavs to switch gears and look forward to the regular season. The 2009-10 season kicks off at home against the Washington Wizards Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. on FSNSW.

RELATED STORIES
Nowitzki scores, gets ejected, Mavs win (Associated Press, Oct. 23, 2009)
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Mavericks at Rockets Boxscore (NBA.com, Oct. 23, 2009)
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