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Dallas Mavericks: Did Kidd or Nash have the better career?

By Lorenzo Almanza

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball past Jason Kidd #2 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball past Jason Kidd #2 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Former Dallas Mavericks players, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash, both got the call that they would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. While both players had fantastic careers, one had a better Mavericks run.

Before there was rookie Dennis Smith Jr, there was Dallas Mavericks point guard legends Jason Kidd and Steve Nash. Both players were the true definition of an NBA point guard. Kidd and Nash ran the floor like no one else could: demonstrating insane passes, opening the lanes for their teammates, and being that extra scoring threat if needed.

While both ballers had fantastic careers, only one had the better career as a member of the Dallas Mavericks organization.

Jason Kidd

Kidd’s journey as a Dallas Mavericks player has been quite the roller coaster. Kidd was first drafted by the Mavericks during the 1994 NBA draft as the second overall pick. His tenure with the team  lasted two and a half seasons before he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for former Mavs star, Michael Finley.

His Dallas timeline did not end there as the team would later trade to get their star guard back during the 2008 season. J-Kidd’s return sparked a fire within the organization as he helped propelled the team to their first NBA title two years after his arrival.

During his time with the Mavs, Kidd averaged 10.5 points per game to go with 8.4 assists and an .363 percent three point shooting percentage which was the highest of his career with any team.

As a member of the Mavs, Kidd was selected to two NBA All-Star games and even started the 1996 event.

J-Kidd’s numbers and accomplishments speak for their themselves and it is no wonder Dallas traded to get their point guard back.

Steve Nash

Unlike Kidd, Nash spent six straight seasons with the Mavericks organization. The team traded for the Canadian guard during the 1998 NBA season.

Nash helped form one of the greatest trios in Mavs history. Nash, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley assisted in putting Dallas back onto the playoff map.

As a Mavs member, Nash averaged 14.6 points per game along with 7.2 assists a game and a .898 free throw percentage.

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Like Kidd, Nash made two All-Star appearances as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. His two appearances came during the 2001-2002 season and as well the 2002-2003 league year.

If money had not been an issue, there is no doubt that Mavs organization would have re-signed Nash in a heart beat.

The similarities between Jason Kidd and Steve Nash as Dallas Mavericks are crazy insane. Both players impacted the organization whether it was in the playoffs or by making plays no one saw coming.

Kidd brought the title, but Nash brought the spark.

Nash’s best season with Dallas came during the 2001-2002 season where he was able to demonstrate his true abilities. That basketball year he averaged 17.9 points per game to go with 7.7 assists. In Kidd’s best season he pilled 16.6 points per game combined with 9.7 assists.

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While the numbers are close, the difference is outlined in how Nash helped Dallas make the playoffs for the first time since 1990. Yes, you can argue Kidd brought the title, but compare that to the talent level of Nash and the stats hold high.

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