theathleticuk
ESPN is set to bring longtime NBA coach Jason Kidd on board as a studio analyst for its NBA programming, sources have confirmed to The Athletic. Kidd, who spent the past five seasons at the helm of the Dallas Mavericks before the two sides separated in May, is expected to contribute to the network's pregame and halftime studio show, NBA Countdown.
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been officially completed. The former head coach position on the show has been open since Michael Malone departed ESPN earlier this year to take over the college basketball program at the University of North Carolina.
Following the conclusion of his Hall of Fame playing career in 2013, Kidd wasted no time transitioning to coaching, immediately taking the head job with the Brooklyn Nets. In that role, he became the first rookie head coach to secure a playoff Game 7 victory on the road. The next offseason, his coaching rights were traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for two second-round draft picks.
Kidd guided the Bucks for three full seasons before being let go midway through the 2017-18 campaign. He then spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers, including their championship run in 2019-20, before being hired by the Mavericks prior to the 2021-22 season. At the time of his departure from Dallas, he still had four years remaining on his contract.
Key Analysis
ESPN and its affiliated networks have broadcast an NBA pregame show for close to 25 seasons, with the current iteration hosted by Malika Andrews. Last week, the network revealed that its Inside the NBA studio show—featuring Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson—will air 25 times during the 2025-26 NBA regular season. ESPN declined to comment on the potential hiring. NBA reporter Marc Stein was the first to report the news, and Joe Vardon contributed to this story.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.