Besides maybe Dr. J, Jason Kidd is the most well know NBA player to ever be associated with the Nets franchise. Through all their years, whether they were playing in Long Island, New Jersey and now Brooklyn, the Nets had some good players at times, but rarely any GREAT players. Jason Kidd came to the Nets in 2001 when they traded away Stephon Marbury to get him. He instantly gave credibility to a franchise that was not being taken serious. His first full season there, the team won 26 games more than the season before, and it was definitely not a coincidence. Kidd always had the ability to make other players around him better. He was the ultimate leader on the court. In his 6 1/2 years with the Nets as a player, he averaged just under 15ppg, 9 assists, 7 rebounds and was a 5 time all-star. The team also made 2 trips to the NBA finals during his time and pumped life back into a franchise that was never looked at as a contender. Now, usually a team will not retire the jersey of someone who only played 6 seasons with a team, but you have to think him being the coach now was also involved in the decision. Not too mention he set numerous franchise records in just those 6 short seasons. Congrats coach Kidd, it is well deserved. Hit the jump.

@IamJoeSports