Jason Kidd Retires: New York Knicks Point Guard Quits After 19 Seasons in NBA, Career Stats

After 19 seasons as a top player in the NBA, Jason Kidd has decided to retire from the sport. Ending his career as a New York Knicks point guard, the 40-year-old basketball star is walking away with 2 years left on his contract as well as $6 million. Kidd was a 10-time All-Star, holds second place in terms of career assists and steals, won an NBA title and has two Olympic gold medals. He averaged 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.93 steals in his career.

In a statement released by the Knicks, Jason Kidd said:

''My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years.  I reflect on my time with the four teams I represented in the NBA, I look back fondly at every season and thank each every one of my teammates and coaches that joined me on the court.''

In 1995, Kidd shared the NBA Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill. Hill announced his retirement from the NBA two days ago.

"Veteran leadership on and off the court was a huge factor for our team that recorded 54 victories and an Atlantic Division crown," coach Mike Woodson said. "Jason provided an incredible voice inside our locker room and I considered it an honor to say I coached him."

 "Jason's value to the Knicks and the National Basketball Association cannot be quantified by statistics alone,'' Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald shared. ''Everyone here in New York saw firsthand what a tremendous competitor he is and why Jason is considered to be one of the best point guards, and leaders, the game has ever seen."