The Dallas Mavericks delivered a massive coaching curveball to the NBA, deciding to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd after five seasons. The split came two weeks after Masai Ujiri took over as President of Basketball Operations, signaling a full cleansing on the Luka Dončić trade. A high-profile coaching name, Kidd becomes an intriguing option for the Orlando Magic.
Evaluating Jason Kidd’s Fit With the Orlando Magic
After letting go of Jamahl Mosley, the Magic find themselves in the midst of a crucial head coaching search. Since the beginning, former Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan appeared as the potential frontrunner for Orlando’s coaching vacancy. That still might be the case. However, the team must explore every option in what could be a franchise-altering hire, including Kidd.
Orlando’s interest in Kidd is not new. In fact, the team’s front office pursued Kidd five years ago before landing on Mosley. Still, the Magic cannot hire Kidd simply because of the flashy name. There needs to be a true fit.
The Banchero Factor
The key argument for bringing Jason Kidd to Orlando revolves around player management and development. Throughout his tenures with the Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets, Kidd has established a track record for successfully coaching unique primary playmakers.
Whether looking at Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee or Dončić in Dallas, Kidd possesses a talent for maximizing rare NBA talents, helping them become superstars. His approach involves making these players the primary focus, giving them the freedom to generate offense their way. Kidd’s half-court blueprint simplifies reads and allows his lengthy stars to operate from the perimeter or the elbow.
Orlando just so happens to have a uniquely built star player of their own. For Paolo Banchero, Kidd could be the key that unlocks his full potential, bringing the Magic to the next level. Coming off an impressive season — averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists — placing Banchero under Kidd’s instruction would solidify his role as the key contributor and make him the undisputed face of the franchise for the present and future.
Absorbing knowledge around spatial manipulation and reading a defense, Banchero would progressively grow as a playmaker. Still, there are some risks to this pairing. Kidd’s offensive structures primarily focus on isolation instead of off-ball movement. After shooting 45.9% from the floor and 30.5% from 3-point range this season, Banchero could see his efficiency stagnate if he is constantly relied upon to save possessions with contested mid-range jumpers or forced close-range attempts.
Sorting Through Kidd’s Resume
Kidd undoubtedly brings a big name and national attention to the table. While Orlando could benefit from extra eyes on the organization, the Magic need to pay more attention to his success rate and resume.
The veteran coach’s regular season success and postseason results paint two very different pictures. During his time in Dallas, Kidd posted a 205-205 regular-season record. Of course, middling success leaves you wanting more. However, those teams performed better in the playoffs under Kidd, producing a 22-18 record. Those numbers tell the story of a coach who can provide an average season capable of playoff contention. They also demonstrate that Kidd typically gets sharper and more focused when the postseason begins.
Kidd built a reputation for instilling defensive discipline and making adjustments throughout a prolonged playoff series. Looking at Orlando’s recent collapse to the Detroit Pistons, the Magic desperately need a coach able to provide that level of poise.
Concerns Exist
The biggest concern surrounding Kidd and Orlando’s coaching vacancy revolves around the offensive end of the court. The Magic’s offense frequently struggled under pressure last season. Finishing 18th in the league with a rating of 114.2, Orlando needs to improve there to become more than just a first-round regular. Looking at his resume, Kidd’s preferred operation does not fix Orlando’s slow pace. In fact, he prefers a slower pace, with meticulously drawn-out isolation sets.
At the same time, Kidd’s system calls for high-level floor spacing to assist with isolation plays. Though Orlando employs Desmond Bane, an effective 3-point shooter, the rest of the team lacks perimeter punch. Yes, the Magic have developing shooters in Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs, but they are not reliable options at this juncture. If the Magic cannot address their perimeter shooting this offseason, Kidd’s offensive strategy would become easy to stop. Opposing teams would focus on packing the lane to limit the production of Banchero and Franz Wagner.
The Last Word
Even with Jason Kidd on the market, hiring Billy Donovan could prove to be the better option. If the Magic pivot to pursuing Kidd, they still need to address the offensive side of the ball. Not only must the Magic utilize the team’s available cap space to acquire proven perimeter shooters, but they must also hire assistant coaches that can move the offense along.
In Kidd, the Magic would receive a championship pedigree as both a player and an assistant coach. For a young core looking to establish itself as a legitimate postseason threat, he could help them get over the hump. Though he may not end up being the best option available, Jason Kidd is still worth the Magic’s consideration.
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