Mavericks Name Jason Kidd Head Coach

The Mavericks have named Jason Kidd as their next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This hire could mirror the Bulls letting Doug Collins go for Phil Jackson, if it works out. But will it?

The Mavericks are finalizing a deal to make Jason Kidd the franchise’s new head coach, sources told @espn_macmahon and @wojespn.

Sources said that Kidd has begun the early stages of assembling a coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/BKPffvWI9H

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 25, 2021

With a 183-190 record as a head coach, Kidd has been a bit of a letdown thus far. That said, he’s since rejuvenated his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Lakers. Dallas has also hired Nike’s Niko Harrison to lead basketball operations, which is already considered a slam dunk by most around the league. Harrison is well-liked amongst the players and should help the Mavericks find star Luka Doncic a running mate.

The Mavericks are progressing on deals with Nike’s Niko Harrison to lead basketball operations and Jason Kidd to become head coach, sources tell @espn_macmahon and me.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 25, 2021

Could the Mavericks get over the hump?

With the proper co-star, sure. This passing of the torch provides a bit of a reset for an organization that already possesses a cornerstone to a championship. If Dallas wants to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy, then Kristaps Porzingis is likely out the door.

Former Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle has already found a new home with the Pacers, and Dallas shifts their focus on building a title-winning roster. Jason Kidd makes sense for a ball-dominant Doncic, who may need to rely on his teammates more often down the stretch.

Dallas could be on to something here.