Jason Kidd Retirement: Future Hall Of Famer Announces Retirement After 19 Seasons, Hints Coaching Or Broadcasting

The New York Knicks have announced that point guard Jason Kidd will retire after playing 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

"My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years," the 10-time All-Star said in a statement. "As 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."

Kidd won the co-Rookie of the Year award after being selected number two overall, by the Dallas Mavericks, in the 1994 NBA Draft, after two standout seasons at California. Kidd averaged 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals throughout his career; having also won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games. Kidd also helped guide the then-New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003; and won a championship with the Mavericks in 2011. Kidd led the NBA in assists five times and finishes second all-time in assists and steals, only behind Utah Jazz Hall of Famer, John Stockton.

Kidd admits his decision caught the New York Knicks off-guard, who had two years left on his deal ($3 million per year), having told the team he was interested in returning next season. The Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals and wanted his veteran leadership and three-point shooting talents off the bench for next season.

But after attending a wedding over the weekend, Kidd informed his agent he was changing mind and the time was right to retire.

"When you think about 19 years, it has been a heckuva ride," Kidd told ESPNNewYork.com. "Physically, I want to be able to participate in activities with my kids so it has taken a toll. It is time to move on and think about maybe coaching or doing some broadcasting."

Kidd shared the 1995 Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill, who also announced his retirement during the Game 6 Eastern Conference Final TNT pre-game show, over the weekend. Hill was drafted third in the 1994 NBA draft, behind Kidd, after winning two NCAA for the Duke Blue Devils. Hill enjoyed a stellar 19-year career with the Pistons, Magic, Suns, and Clippers, despite missing the 2003-04 season with an ankle injury. The injury would end up plaguing Hill's career the following four seasons.

"I'm glad to say, I'm done," said Hill. "I've been hinting at it the last few years, you get to a point where you just don't want to do it any more. But I've enjoyed it, I've loved it."