Jason Kidd is diving into youth baseball with the same enthusiasm he previously applied to girls' basketball, and it’s a fascinating journey worth exploring.
DALLAS (AP) — Over three decades ago, Jason Kidd faced a pivotal decision: he had to select basketball over baseball when it became evident that he was destined to be among the top picks in the NBA draft. Fast forward to today, and this Hall of Fame player turned coach is finally able to pursue one of his childhood dreams, embarking on an initiative that mirrors his previous work with girls’ youth basketball.
On Thursday, the coach of the Dallas Mavericks revealed his exciting new venture, JK Select Baseball. This ambitious program aims to create a national presence with more than 1,000 teams, but initially focuses on building a strong regional framework within the Dallas area.
"Our mission is to invest in kids," Kidd shared with The Associated Press. "We aspire to impart wisdom to them. Our vision extends beyond just the children; we’re also interested in finding additional mentors. Can we invest in teachers, coaches, and guides? Each of us has been influenced by such figures in our lives, and I believe it’s crucial to make that investment."
Part of Kidd's inspiration for launching this initiative stemmed from his experiences following his teenage son, Chance Kidd, through the select baseball circuit. This mirrors his earlier creation of JK Select Girls Basketball, which was established shortly after the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash en route to a girls' basketball tournament in Los Angeles. Bryant's daughter, Gigi, was also among the victims of that accident.
Kidd felt compelled to take action to foster the growth of girls’ basketball as a tribute to both Bryant and his daughter, leading to the establishment of an elite-level program that has already produced 45 Division I athletes, including Texas sophomore Jordan Lee.
The framework for the baseball initiative comprises three distinct tiers: elite national teams for players aged 14-17, regional teams within the Dallas area for the same age group, and licensing options for youth baseball organizations across various age levels.
"I firmly believe that we should emphasize growth, maturation, and how to navigate different life situations, as sports play a significant role in shaping those experiences,” Kidd expressed. “We aim for this to be a positive journey. We might not hit a home run every time we step up to the plate, and as pitchers, we won’t strike out every batter. However, we want to encourage the development of relationships, something I wish I had understood better as a child."
Growing up on the Oakland side of the Bay Area, Kidd was an avid fan of the Athletics, who are currently in a temporary venue in Sacramento, California, before relocating to Las Vegas in 2028. During his youth, baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson was a star player for the A's, and Kidd, drafted as the No. 2 pick in the 1994 NBA draft, was a teenager while watching sluggers Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire lead the franchise to consecutive World Series appearances from 1988 to 1990.
After achieving fame himself, Kidd developed a friendship with Tony La Russa, who managed McGwire during his time with the A's and subsequently the St. Louis Cardinals. Reflecting on his experiences, Kidd recalls being invited to participate in baseball activities alongside La Russa and McGwire during the late 1990s, which only deepened his appreciation for the sport.
"Baseball is an incredible game," Kidd remarked. "There are so many eras to appreciate when you discuss its history."
Having played 19 seasons in the NBA, Kidd ranks third all-time in career assists, with a remarkable total of 12,091, trailing only John Stockton and Chris Paul. He celebrated a championship victory with the Mavericks in 2011, retired two years later after a stint with the New York Knicks, and quickly transitioned into coaching, beginning with the Brooklyn Nets.
Now in his fifth season at the helm of the Mavericks, Kidd has led the team to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and to the NBA Finals in 2024, where they faced off against Boston. Luka Doncic played a crucial role in both playoff runs before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a controversial deal that brought the frequently injured Anthony Davis to Dallas almost a year ago.
As the injury-riddled Mavericks seem poised to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year, Kidd expresses excitement about coaching rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. At 52 years old, he is also taking significant steps toward what could be a fulfilling life after his basketball coaching career concludes.
"I believe that having resources available today and for the future allows us to share valuable knowledge with young people," Kidd stated. "And we hope this expansion won’t be limited to just baseball and basketball. We aim to embrace volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse as well. We are convinced that if youth sports across the country are given a chance, and if someone believes in these kids, the returns will be substantial."
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