Thinking Basketball 21st century peaks Ep 2 | Can a weak scoring guard be a superstar?
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Aug 5, 2025 Explore the unique legacy of Jason Kidd, the defensive maestro whose contributions extend beyond scoring. Delve into the value of guard rebounding and the little things that elevate team performance. Compare Kidd's playmaking with Russell Westbrook's scoring, and examine how non-shooting guards adapt in modern basketball. The discussion also touches on the defensive prowess of unsung heroes like Draymond Green, and challenges the classic notion of a superstar in today’s game, especially with players like Jayson Tatum.
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Kidd's Unique Offensive Value
- Jason Kidd was a confident but flawed shooter who pressured defenses via mid-range and three-point shots.
- His mediocre shooting percentages were offset by his size, speed, vision, and passing impact.
Kidd Boosts Teammates' Efficiency
- Kidd's playing alongside defensive teams with limited offensive stars masked his true value as a facilitator.
- His presence significantly boosted teammates' scoring efficiency and volume, especially finishers.
Kidd's Massive On-Off Impact
- Kidd's overall court impact was massive with a near +11 net rating difference when on court.
- His peak defensive rating was 5.5 points better than league average, yet he was underrated defensively.