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Jason Kidd announces retirement from NBA – Metro US

Jason Kidd announces retirement from NBA

Jason Kidd spent his final season in the league with the Knicks. Credit: Getty Images Jason Kidd spent his final season in the league with the Knicks.
Credit: Getty Images

One of the greatest point guards of all time has hung it up for good.

The Knicks announced Monday afternoon that Jason Kidd will retire from the NBA. Kidd spent the last season with the Knicks, but will be remembered most for his time in Phoenix, New Jersey and Dallas.

Kidd, 40, was signed to a three-year deal by the Knicks last offseason, but struggled badly in the postseason despite a solid regular season backing up Raymond Felton. He averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. [embedgallery id=161323]

“My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years,” Kidd said.

The future Hall of Famer was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1994 draft by the Mavericks and became one of the greatest all-around guards in league history. He came into the league without the best reputation, and spent just two and a half seasons with Dallas before being traded to Phoenix. Despite his reputation, he performed well at every stop in his career.

He won Co-Rookie of the Year in 1994-95 with Pistons forward Grant Hill, who also announced his retirement this week.

He reshaped his career in Phoenix, but became a legendary player after being traded to New Jersey on July 18, 2001, for Stephon Marbury. It was there he teamed up with Kenyon Martin, Keith Van Horn, Kerry Kittles and later Richard Jefferson to form one of the best teams of the 2000s. He led the Nets to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, losing to the Lakers and Spurs respectively.

Kidd finally got his title in 2011 after a return to Dallas. They defeated the Heat in six games, led by star Dirk Nowitzki and future Knicks teammate Tyson Chandler.

Kidd finishes his career with 107 triple-doubles, third-most in NBA history. He led the league in assists per game five times, made 10 All-Star games and was All-NBA First Team five times. He also won gold medals in the 2000 and 2008 Olympics.

Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.