Jason Kidd retires after 19 seasons

Ten-time All-Star Jason Kidd announced his retirement Monday. Kidd, who signed a three-year, $9.3 million with the Knicks last summer, announced his decision in a statement released by the organization.

My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years. As I reflect on my time with the four teams I represented in the NBA, I look back fondly at every season and thank each every one of my teammates and coaches that joined me on the court.

Selected with the No. 2 pick in the 1994 NBA draft after earning All-America honors as a sophomore at California, Kidd enjoyed a 19-year career with the Mavericks, Suns, Nets and Knicks.
The 1995 co-Rookie of the Year retires with career averages of 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals. Kidd was selected to the All-NBA First or Second Team six times and the All-Defensive First or Second Team nine times, he won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the 2000 and 2008 Olympics and he twice received the NBA’s sportsmanship award.

Regarded as one of the greatest all-around point guards in NBA history, Kidd ranks No. 2 on the league’s all-time assists and steals lists, trailing only Jazz Hall of Fame guard John Stockton in both categories. He also won the 2011 championship with the Mavericks and went to the 2002 and 2003 Finals with the Nets.

Jason’s value to the Knicks and the National Basketball Association cannot be quantified by statistics alone. Everyone here in New York saw firsthand what a tremendous competitor he is and why Jason is considered to be one of the best point guards, and leaders, the game has ever seen.

Kidd, 40, was one of the NBA’s oldest players during the 2012-13 season, averaging 6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 76 appearances for the Knicks. He leaves the NBA having earned more than $187 million in contracts over his career.

The news comes two days after Grant Hill, with whom Kidd shared the 1995 Rookie of the Year award, announced his retirement.

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