Jason Kidd turns 37 next week, and what’s normally a less than noteworthy age has a lot of meaning because of what Jason continues to do as a 16-year NBA veteran.
This season, J-Kidd has been playing like he’s 27, and he told the Star Telegram that he doesn’t care whether people doubt him because of his age. He just wants to keep doing what he loves.
"You guys said I couldn’t shoot; I was too old. So there is nothing new in that aspect of always hearing a doubt. I just keep on trying to do what I have been doing for however many years I have been doing it."
No. 2 was the undeniable leader in Dallas during the Mavericks’ 13-game win streak, which recently ended.
The Mavericks hit the ground running after they acquired Brendan Haywood, Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson from the Washington Wizards without any practice, leaving J-Kidd with the reigns in his hands.
Thirteen consecutive wins later, Jason is just as spry as he was a decade ago, showcasing a young man’s speed and a veteran’s savvy.
J-Kidd’s recent statistics surge can be likened to the trust head coach Rick Carlisle has in his veteran guard. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Jason and Carlisle have achieved a perfect balance, as he told the Star Telegram.
"When you’ve got J-Kidd, sometimes the best thing to do is recognize when the time is right to interject yourself," Cuban said. "And that is the real talent, to know when to and when not to interject yourself, and Rick has become the real master of that."
NEXT UP
The Mavericks face the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast Sports Net.
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Mavericks hope Jason Kidd at 37 keeps playing like he’s 27 (Star Telegram, March 16, 2010)
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/03/15/2042131_p2/mavericks-hope-jason-kidd-at-37.html