When NBA fans talk about the point guard position in the 1990s and the 2000s, Jason Kidd is often seen as one of the very best alongside Steve Nash. Kidd was a legendary playmaker who could always find ways to make the right pass and help his teammates get into position score.
Kidd posed a formidable challenge for his peer, not just due to his stature as a taller point guard, but also because of the tricky nature of his playing style. Even Chauncey Billups, renowned as one of the premier defensive guards of his era and the 2004 NBA Finals MVP, struggled to defend against Kidd's elusive tactics.
“It was hell guarding this dude. He was one of my heroes, one of my favorites of all time. I wanted to be like him, I almost went to Cal because of him,” Chauncey said on ESPN. “Competing against him pretty much my entire career was a treat. One of those guys, unbelievably high basketball IQ.”
Kidd was also one of the strongest point guards in the league
Despite Kidd not having the appearance of a physically imposing player, he proved to be among the most challenging to defend throughout his career. His strength, unusual for a guard, allowed him to dominate in post-up situations against various opponents, including shooting guards and small forwards.
While Billups was no defensive weakling, he encountered difficulties when the University of California product adopted a more physical style of play. The mental warfare, including trash talks and provocations, employed by Kidd made it challenging for defenders during the game.
Even though he wasn't a knockdown shooter, J-Kidd could sink a jumper when needed. If he can’t take a shot, he will wear down his defender and make the right pass at the right time for his teammates to score.
Kidd's IQ was off the charts
Considered by many as one of the most intelligent players during his career, he earned the esteemed title of a "basketball savant," a compliment bestowed upon him by his former coach Rick Carlise.
“Mike Woodson is out on the floor, he’s out on the floor like three steps, giving instructions to one of his players or pointing or something. Jason sees him, puts it in overdrive, and intentionally hits Woody,” Carlisle recalled. “So they call a technical and Jason makes the free throw, now we’re on an odd number and we had some momentum going and we ended up stealing the game.”
That combination of intelligence and talent helped Kidd stand out as one of the best point guards of all time. Chauncey was great in his own right but he admits that Jason Kidd was a different breed when it comes to point guard play, and that should stay in people’s memory for a long time.
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