The Utah Jazz are in the process of building a playoff contender for the 2026-27 season. While they have talent, depth, and youth, one thing they are missing is evident - a strong, veteran assistant coach that is becoming the hallmark of contending teams.
Think of what Mike Brown and Alvin Gentry did for the Warriors during the dynasty years. Or Kenny Atkinson during their 2022 title run. The San Antonio Spurs, long a breeding ground for coaches, have had the likes of James Borrego, Utah's own Will Hardy, current coach Mitch Johnson, former Sixers coach Brett Brown, and many more roam their sidelines.
The Jazz could take a page from this book and pick up an assistant coach with a bevy of experience, who would be perfect for their situation - Jason Kidd, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks.
Some might think that Kidd wouldn't be interested in Utah. But that's a tired refrain. His former teammate Jason Terry is a tenured Jazz assistant, and Kidd also knows former Jazz assistant Alex Jensen (and current Utah Utes head coach), who was a Dallas assistant for two years (2023-24 and 2024-25).
Also, Kidd likes to take young talent and maximize it. He's coached Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Cooper Flagg - all of whom grew under his tutelage. That could only benefit the Jazz roster in the long run.
Think of Ace Bailey working as a point forward, or even a point guard - with Kidd working his magic, Bailey could see a significant rise up the ranks in Year Two, being put through the paces and having a jump in production like Giannis and Luka did with Kidd's backing.
Keyonte George and Isaiah Coller would both benefit greatly from a Hall of Fame point guard in their ear. Collier is already a willing passer, with some offensive issues. Kidd was similar early in his career, and ironed out the outside shot as he went along. Collier could use that kind of example to make a Year Three leap.
Would hiring Kidd be the right move for the Utah Jazz?
Say for a moment that Kidd and the Utah Jazz showed mutual interest in bringing him on as a lead assistant. How would that affect Will Hardy, who is still seeking his first winning season as a head coach?
Hardy has a solid staff, and they have served their purpose through the team's rebuild. But when it's time to win games, you need assistants who have been through the battles, and strong personalities to say the hard things even when it might not be popular, and rally the troops in the tough games.
Milwaukee made a huge leap, going from 15-67 in 2013-14 (prior to Kidd's arrival) to 41-41 and making the playoffs in his first year on the bench.
The LA Lakers were 37-45 prior to his arrival as an assistant; they went 52-19 in the 2019-20 season and won the NBA Championship.
Dallas was 42-30 in Rick Carlisle's final season in 2020-21; they went 52-30 and reached the Western Conference Finals in Year One under Kidd.
With only Orlando, Chicago and Portland seeking head coaches at the moment (besides Dallas), Kidd may opt once more to be an assistant in 2026-27, while waiting for his next head coaching opportunity. Which would be perfect for the Utah Jazz.
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