The Unprecedented Value of Jason Kidd

Feb 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach

Jason Kidd

talks with guard

Michael Carter-Williams

(5) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Free agents, and prospective free agents, are scared of this city. They look at our average winter temperatures and, until lately, low season win totals to match them, and balk at the mere idea of playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, our local team.

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Monta Ellis laughed in our face while turning down a monster contract offer. Brandon Jennings wanted out as soon as possible. Stephen Jackson walked through the door his first day in Milwaukee and turned sour quicker than milk left out on a humid August Wisconsin day. Gary Payton? Ugh.

The Bucks cycled through offseason after offseason scraping the bottom of the barrel for players like Jackson, Richard Jefferson, and Corey Maggette. They changed coaches nearly as often, turning to such luminaries as Terry Porter, Terry Stotts (still can’t believe his turnaround), Scott Skiles, Larry Drew, and Larry Krystkowiak.

The good part? It’s all over now.

Nov 19, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Now, we have Greg Monroe in town, a contradiction of everything I listed above.

I was a little harsh on NBA free agents and their attitude towards cold weather cities like ours. In the end, winning and talent trumps all – just look at Cleveland. Monroe was the first clear sign that the Bucks are beginning to reap the benefits of the ill-gotten gain that is Jason Kidd.

“The biggest hook for me was Jason Kidd, by far. Obviously, he was a friend of mine before all this. He was a great mentor for me in New York and someone I continue to grow under. An incredible mind on and off the floor.” – Chris Copeland

Players take notice when a team goes from 15 wins in a season to more than 40, especially when it does so with largely the same roster.

When a free agent is looking at which teams he’d be interested in playing for, he must consider all aspects of every franchise. Is the team run well by a competent front office? How talented is the roster? What’s the team’s reputation around the Association? Do they take care of their players? The questions they must ask themselves seem endless. An important one is, who’s the coach?

I’m no NBA player, but I’d assume a free agent would prefer playing for a coach who’s a living legend rather than a promoted video coordinator who came out of nowhere. Not to knock those kind of guys, it definitely takes a ton of skill to advance to the level of NBA coach, but is Erik Spoelstra really on the same level as Jason Kidd? I don’t care what jewelry he has, it’s not even close.

Oct 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 106-100. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

To get a franchise from Gary Payton to Greg Monroe, you need a lot of savvy, a ton of luck, and more than enough pragmatism. As the Bucks floundered through most of this century, those things were buried under albatross contracts, misfired draft selections, and a coaching carousel.

John Hammond was the first stepping stone towards true relevance for this franchise, as his shrewd trading acumen and keen eye for scouting has revamped the roster. The ownership change was another key catalyst, as Herb Kohl’s stepping down gave way to Marc Lasry and Wes Edens’ much-appreciated laissez faire approach, except for when they acquired Jason Kidd.

Oct 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd talks with guard

Giannis Antetokounmpo

(34) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Minnesota won 110-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

"Thank God Jason Kidd came to our team,” – Giannis Antetokounmpo"

Jason Kidd is the real fulcrum that has turned the momentum of this franchise. He gave a 15-win team a huge boost of knowledge and leadership, and he took a guiding role in developing the youngest players. He’s already done more to rehabilitate the Bucks’ image around the NBA than every single midlevel signing from the last ten years.

Maybe you’ve seen him spearheading the Bucks’ arena effort, making himself seen at almost every public hearing or State Legislature voting session. He’s truly invested in this city and team, because he can see something in our town and this team that many, many NBA free agents over the years have overlooked.

You can win here. We will love you. And the warm feeling that comes with a Championship will box out even the coldest January night.

Next: Should The Bucks Consider Kostas Papanikolaou?

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