Jason Kidd is reportedly in advanced discussions to join ESPN and take on a new role as a studio analyst for “NBA Countdown.” Hall of Fame point guard Kidd is nearing an agreement to become part of the ESPN team alongside Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins, with Malika Andrews hosting. This opening appeared after Michael Malone left the show in April to become the head coach for North Carolina’s basketball program. When contacted by USA TODAY Sports, ESPN chose not to comment on the report.
During his illustrious NBA career, Kidd was known for his defensive prowess, earning nine All-Defensive team selections, making 10 All-Star appearances, and winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1994-95. He played for several teams including the Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks, while being initially drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he also won the NBA championship in 2011. After retiring as a player, Kidd transitioned into coaching, leading the Mavericks from the 2021-22 season until his departure this past spring through a mutual agreement.
Kidd, now 53, has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice: first as a player in 2018 and again in 2025 as part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic gold-medal team. His coaching career also includes a season as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks that ended mid-season, and a role as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers when they won the 2020 NBA title.
The upcoming 2026-27 NBA season kicks off on October 20 with three games: the Boston Celtics versus the Detroit Pistons, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers featuring LeBron James visiting the reigning champions New York Knicks, and closing with Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs hosting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals.
Fan Take: Jason Kidd joining ESPN as an analyst is exciting news for basketball fans who value deep insight from someone who’s excelled at every level of the game. His transition to broadcasting could bring a fresh perspective and enhance viewers’ understanding, potentially elevating how the sport is covered and experienced by audiences.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
