Jason Kidd formally thanked the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, two days after the team and its head coach of five seasons agreed to part ways.
“I want to sincerely thank the Mavericks organization, the players, coaches, staff, front office, ownership, and every employee behind the scenes who put their heart into this team every single day,” Kidd said in a statement released on social media. The Hall of Fame guard closed by acknowledging Mavericks fans and the city of Dallas.
Kidd exits with a 205-205 record, a mark weighed down by injuries and the trade of Luka Doncic over the past two seasons. His tenure included a trip to the 2024 NBA Finals and the 2022 Western Conference Finals.
Wide-ranging coaching search begins
Associate head coach Sean Sweeney of the Spurs is among the leading candidates to replace Kidd, according to multiple reports. Sweeney, an NBA assistant since 2013, spent four seasons on Dallas’ bench before joining San Antonio last offseason. He is also linked to open positions with the Bulls and Magic.
New Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is expected to consider a broad field of contenders. Reported possibilities include Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, current Dallas assistant Frank Vogel, and former NBA coaches Tom Thibodeau and Billy Donovan.
Front-office changes
International scout Rafael Barlowe confirmed on social media that he is no longer with the organization. Barlowe joined the Mavericks last year after serving as scouting director for the draft outlet NBA Big Board.
Source: Hoops Rumors
