Hoops Habit
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Best Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee from each NBA franchise

By Daniel Lubofsky

INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best Dallas Mavericks Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: Jason Kidd

Showing up twice on this list, Jason Kidd was originally drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and played a little over two seasons in Texas before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. It wasn’t until a return during the 2007-08 season where the Hall of Famer was gifted another opportunity to make the relationship work.

By the time Kidd arrived, the Mavericks had dug themselves into a pit with embarrassing consecutive postseason losses. Falling short to the Miami Heat after going up 2-0 in the Finals as well as collapsing at the hands of the Golden State Warriors drew serious questions regarding their ability to compete for a title.

Dirk Nowitzki was fantastic and Jason Terry was a consistent scoring option, but it was made clear that a guy who could allow them to play their respective styles was needed, someone to alleviate their burden and run the show offensively.

Having asserted himself as a premier passer and floor general, Kidd was the ideal man for the job. Despite having lost a bit of speed and quickness, the 10-time All-Star made up for his declining physical traits with an improved 3-point shot to compliment his otherworldly point guard instincts.

It took a few more years of postseason shortcomings, but Dallas wound up putting it all together in 2011 with Kidd playing a crucial role. Dirk was rightfully the Finals MVP, but his point guard’s defense and timely makes from beyond the arc proved crucial in bringing the Mavericks their first championship in franchise history.

Kidd’s full circle back to Dallas and subsequent title put quite the bow on his legendary career. Had he never returned, his name likely would’ve been grouped with those who never could win the big one. Instead, destiny brought him back to where it all began and his legacy is better off because of it.