Jason Kidd on the cusp of yet another record; All set to become oldest starting guard in NBA Finals
When Jason Kidd steps on the court for the game-1 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, he will disturb the annals of the NBA history once again. The man, who has accomplished so many milestones in his career, will add another
one on Tuesday night. At 38, Jason Kidd, is set to become the oldest starting guard in an NBA Final.
The current holder of the record is Ron Harper, who started for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000 edition of the NBA Finals. Harper is also the oldest starting guard to win an NBA World Championship, something Jason Kidd is gunning
for as well.
Kidd came to the NBA in 1994 and since then, he has established himself as an all time great of the game. His journey started with the Dallas Mavericks and now it seems it will end with the same team. In between, Kidd played for
the Phoenix Suns and enjoyed his most successful spell with the New Jersey Nets. Jason led the Nets to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances; however he lost on both occasions.
He recalled those years in a recent interview, and expressed hope that he can achieve the ultimate prize this time around, "I thought we were going to go on a roll in Jersey and make it three or four in a row," Kidd said. "But,
now we're here. And hopefully we can find a way to win a championship."
On a personal level, Kidd’s achievements in the game are difficult to fathom. The 6-foot-4 guard has elevated himself to the company of such legends as Magic Johnson and the storied Oscar Robertson. Jason Kidd is second only to
Magic Johnson in career assists made and behind the two giants of the game in career triple doubles.
Now 38 and referred to as “almost 50” by Shawn Marion, Kidd is still going strong. There is no doubting the fact the Jason Kidd is the key cog that keeps the Dallas Mavericks machine moving forward. He controls the flow of the
game and works the ball around the court as the Mavericks tear down teams on offence. It is the maturity and know how he brings to the team, that has seen the Mavs come so far in this year’s playoffs and Dallas coach Rick Carlisle says realizes the importance
of his most aged asset,
"We're always a better basketball team when he's our facilitator on the court, and he's getting guys in different positions and leading the offense, and helping us in our flow game," Carlisle said. "When we've got to call plays,
I'll call them once in a while, but he's great at that, too. The more he can do it, the better our team plays."
What has also come to the fore this post season is Jason’s ability to close down star players on the opposing side. Although not able to put up as many minutes as he used to, Kidd was still the one guarding Kobe Bryant or Russell
Westbrook in clutch situations. And he’s done it to devastating effect, as both players will testify.
The Mavs will be hoping the old guard can lead them to a first NBA World title, come the Finals.
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