In 2006, Steve Nash won his second consecutive NBA MVP award, further solidifying his place in basketball history as one of the best point guards of his era. However, the debate on who truly deserves the title of the best point guard, Jason Kidd or Steve Nash? This discussion was especially fueled by ESPN’s Daily Dime, which asked a panel of NBA experts to rank the greatest point guards in history.
Interestingly, the experts ranked Jason Kidd higher than Nash despite Nash’s back-to-back MVP titles. Kidd, a defensive stalwart known for his court vision, rebounding, and ability to orchestrate a fast-paced offense, had never won an MVP award but was widely respected across the league. Gary Payton, a defensive legend and another player on the list, had also earned recognition, though his playing days as a starting point guard were nearly over by 2006.
So, why did Jason Kidd receive more recognition from NBA experts? The comparison between Nash and Kidd centers around two distinct but equally important aspects of basketball—offensive efficiency and overall possession control.
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Nash’s Offensive Brilliance
Steve Nash was revered for his scoring efficiency, particularly his shooting ability and knack for making his teammates better through his passing. During the 2005-06 season, Nash’s scoring and assists propelled him to MVP status. His shooting percentages from the field, three-point range, and free-throw line were often among the league’s best. Nash wasn’t just a scorer—he was a playmaker who ran the Phoenix Suns’ high-octane offense with precision. His ability to consistently find open shooters or cutters was key to his team’s success. The Suns under Nash were often the league’s highest-scoring team, known for their “Seven Seconds or Less” style of play.
When it came to creating scoring opportunities, Nash was unmatched. His court vision, ball handling, and ability to navigate through defenders allowed him to dish out assists at an elite level. With Nash at the helm, the Suns’ offense was virtually unstoppable, with fast-paced ball movement, pick-and-roll mastery, and a high shooting percentage from nearly all positions on the court.
Kidd’s Complete Game
On the other hand, Jason Kidd’s game was less about raw scoring and more about controlling the game through rebounding, defense, and decision-making. Kidd was the ultimate floor general—he orchestrated the offense, controlled the pace, and was a tenacious defender. In addition to his ability to set up teammates with pinpoint passes, Kidd’s impact was felt on the defensive end. His size, strength, and basketball IQ made him an elite rebounder for his position, often initiating fast breaks after collecting defensive boards.
Kidd’s overall approach to the game, which involved taking care of the basketball, making smart decisions, and creating turnovers, made him a complete point guard. During the 2005-06 season, Kidd’s ability to limit turnovers and his proficiency in collecting steals added an extra dimension to his game that Nash, despite his offensive excellence, did not always match.
The Wins Produced Debate
When it comes to measuring the contribution of players using advanced statistics like Wins Produced—a metric that attempts to quantify a player’s total contribution to their team’s success by accounting for both offensive and defensive factors—Kidd edges out Nash. In the 2005-06 season, Jason Kidd produced 23.7 wins, while Nash produced 18.6. Over the longer span of 2000-01 to 2004-05, Kidd also outperformed Nash in total Wins Produced, 94.5 to 60, respectively.
While Nash’s offensive stats dazzled, Kidd’s overall production, which included rebounding, defense, and better ball control, provided a more well-rounded contribution to his team’s success. This statistic paints a fuller picture of why ESPN’s experts may have ranked Kidd higher despite Nash’s MVP accolades.
A Shift in the MVP Debate
This contrast highlights a deeper question about what “Most Valuable Player” actually means. While the MVP award often goes to the player with the most outstanding individual performance, other factors like leadership, team success, and a player’s contributions on both ends of the floor should also be considered. Nash’s two MVP awards cemented his place in basketball history, but the debate over the greatest point guard—and the role advanced statistics play in this evaluation—shows that the conversation is far more nuanced.
Kidd’s legacy, built on his all-around game, should not be overshadowed by Nash’s offensive excellence. Both players brought different strengths to the court, and both have strong cases for being considered among the greatest point guards in NBA history.
The Playoff Factor
While regular-season performance is critical in MVP discussions, playoff performance often distinguishes good players from all-time greats. One myth often discussed is that star players elevate their performance in the playoffs. While it’s true that the best players tend to dominate in crucial moments, both Nash and Kidd saw slight dips in their postseason performance, though they remained top performers.
Kidd, especially during his tenure with the New Jersey Nets, led his team to consecutive NBA Finals appearances, proving that his leadership and ability to control the game could translate to postseason success. Nash, despite leading the Suns deep into the playoffs multiple times, fell short of reaching the Finals, often running into stronger teams in the Western Conference.
Legacy and Influence
Looking at their overall careers, both Steve Nash and Jason Kidd have left an indelible mark on the NBA. Nash revolutionized the point guard position with his scoring and passing efficiency, influencing a new generation of point guards like Stephen Curry, who prioritize shooting and playmaking. Kidd, on the other hand, was a model of consistency and leadership, influencing players like Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons, who emulate his versatility in rebounding, defense, and facilitating.
In retrospect, both Nash and Kidd were integral to their respective teams’ successes. Nash’s ability to make everyone around him better and Kidd’s tenacity and leadership both offer compelling arguments in this never-ending debate.
What’s Next for Point Guards?
As the game continues to evolve, the point guard position has shifted into something more dynamic. Today’s point guards are expected to score, pass, defend, and lead, all while running the offense at a pace that reflects the NBA’s move toward a more fast-paced, perimeter-oriented game. Nash and Kidd may have set the blueprint, but the next generation of point guards—like Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Luka Dončić—are building on the foundations these two legends laid down.
In conclusion, while Steve Nash’s MVP wins highlight his impact during his peak years, Jason Kidd’s all-around game makes him equally deserving of the title of best point guard. Ultimately, the debate may come down to personal preference and what aspects of the game you value most. But one thing is clear—both of these point guards have solidified their places among the NBA’s all-time greats, and their influence will continue to shape the league for years to come.
