MANILA – NBA champion and Hall of Famer Jason Kidd is often in the conversation about the greatest point guards in the league.
Kidd made an impact during seven seasons with the New Jersey Nets, but eventually won the NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
As someone who has faced several players, the 53-year-old believes Filipino point guards should not focus on the height disadvantage, but instead turn their attention to improving their game.
"I think one of the keys is confidence. Believe in your skill set. Believe in the process of going to work on your skill set. Study the game. Watch video. Watch a lot of video on yourself, but also your opponent because that can give you an edge in my career," Kidd said during the media availability on Thursday ahead of the NBA House Philippines over the weekend.
The Hall of Famer said there are a lot of intangibles on how point guards contribute to the team which go beyond playmaking.
"I think what's important for a point guard is just understanding, knowing your teammates, but also knowing your opponent. And then also being able to work, understanding time and score. When someone hasn't touched the ball or hasn't had an opportunity to score," he said.
"And then I think last, just the leadership, being able to communicate, having sometimes hard conversations if someone isn't doing their job."
After being the playmaker setting up and finding his teammates, Kidd has a similar role of creating plays and opportunities for players but as a coach.
The 53-year-old said he looks for players who are ready to be pushed out of their comfort zone when they step on the court.
"I think the one thing that stands out is I want to see if someone isn't afraid to be uncomfortable. Don't be afraid. I want to see if you're all right with failing. Because the sooner that we can get you to that point, I think the better career or the better player you will become," Kidd said.
"Failure is a part of everything. We have to be perfect. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to know how to handle different situations, especially if you make a turnover. You got to move on to the next play. And so that's the things that I try to look for in a young player," he explained.
Kidd shared his advice to the younger players who are struggling, especially with their confidence both on and off the court.
"Don't be afraid of failure. I've turned the ball over enough in my career. But that didn't stop me from trying to make the next pass. So I think for the young players here, it's gaining confidence, setting the table for your teammates, and always trying to do the little things to win," he shared.
Kidd is in the Philippines for the first-time alongside fellow Hall of Famer and two-time WNBA champion Lauren Jackson for NBA House Philippines over the weekend.
Four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Tony Parker is also in the country, one decade since he competed at the Mall of Asia Arena for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The NBA House Philippines 2026 will feature interactive basketball and pop culture activities, including meet and greet with the basketball legends.
Kidd and Parker will be part of a celebrity showcase included in the event's festivities from August 29 to 30 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.