Dear Mavericks Family,
Today, I write to you with a heavy heart and a burdened soul, compelled by circumstances that demand transparency, accountability, and reflection. This is not the letter I ever envisioned writing, yet here we are at a crossroads that feels as troubling as it is pivotal for our beloved Mavericks.
For decades, this organization has stood as a beacon of excellence, resilience, and unity. We’ve celebrated championships, shared unforgettable moments, and weathered storms that threatened to tear us apart. But now, we face an unsettling truth—one that transcends the basketball court and strikes at the core of who we are as a team, a community, and an organization.
Behind the closed doors of our locker rooms, in the silence of late-night strategy sessions, and amidst the deafening cheers of our loyal fans, cracks have begun to form—cracks in our culture, our commitment, and perhaps even in our collective soul.
Over the past year, I have witnessed behaviors and decisions that have left me deeply disturbed. Moments where egos overshadowed team goals. Situations where accountability was sacrificed for convenience. Times when the passion that once ignited our Mavericks spirit flickered dangerously low.
This is not the Dallas Mavericks I fell in love with as a player or the one I dreamed of leading as a coach. This is not the team our fans pour their hearts into, game after game, season after season. And this is certainly not the legacy that legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Cuban, and countless others worked tirelessly to build.
To our players: I challenge you to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are truly giving your all—not just to the game, but to each other. Basketball is more than a sport; it’s a brotherhood, a shared dream, and a promise to rise above the ordinary. Have we honored that promise?
To the organization: Leadership is not about titles or accolades; it’s about setting a standard that others aspire to follow. It’s about making the tough calls, even when they’re unpopular. It’s about prioritizing integrity over short-term gains. Are we living up to those principles?
To our fans: You are the lifeblood of this franchise. Your unwavering loyalty and boundless energy fuel us in ways words cannot capture. Yet, I fear we have let you down. You deserve more than hollow promises and fleeting victories. You deserve a team that embodies the grit, heart, and soul of Dallas—a team that reflects the best of this city and its people.
This letter is not a resignation, nor is it an indictment. It is a call to action. A plea for unity, honesty, and change. We cannot rewrite the past, but we can shape the future—if we have the courage to confront our mistakes and the will to rebuild what’s been broken.
I am committed to leading that charge, no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem. But I cannot do it alone. It will take all of us—players, staff, fans, and the entire Mavericks family—to rise above the challenges before us and reclaim the spirit of excellence that defines this franchise.
Let this be the moment where we draw a line in the sand. Let this be the turning point where we choose courage over complacency, unity over division, and greatness over mediocrity. Together, we can and will restore the Dallas Mavericks to the heights we know we are capable of reaching.
With determination, faith, and an unyielding love for this team,
Jason Kidd
Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks