If you walk into the American Airlines Center today, you’ll see Jason Kidd on the sidelines wearing a tailored suit or team-issued gear, barking orders at Luka Dončić. It’s a bit surreal for those of us who grew up watching him in the 90s. Back then, he was "J-Kidd," the guy who made the "Triple J Ranch" a thing in Dallas before it all went south.
But here is the thing that trips people up when they go to buy a dallas mavericks jason kidd jersey. They see the number 5. Then they see the number 2. Some people think they’re looking at a misprint, or maybe a jersey from his time in New Jersey or Phoenix.
Honestly, the history of Kidd’s threads in Dallas is basically a map of the franchise’s most chaotic and most triumphant eras. If you’re hunting for one of these, you aren't just buying a piece of mesh. You’re picking a side in the story of Mavs basketball.
The Rook: Why Everyone Remembers the Green Number 5
When Kidd was drafted second overall in 1994, the Mavericks were, to put it mildly, a dumpster fire. They had just come off back-to-back seasons with 11 and 13 wins. Kidd was the savior.
He wore number 5.
That specific dallas mavericks jason kidd jersey—the forest green one with the blue trim and the classic "M" cowboy hat logo—is arguably the most iconic "rookie" jersey of that decade. He shared Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill while wearing that kit.
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- The Look: It was loud.
- The Vibe: Pure 90s nostalgia.
- The Rarity: Original Champion-brand screen-printed versions from '94 are getting harder to find without the numbers peeling off.
Kidd didn't stay long the first time. A rift with Jim Jackson (the infamous Toni Braxton rumor that both players have denied for decades) led to him being shipped to Phoenix in 1996. For a long time, that number 5 jersey was a "what if" relic.
The Comeback and the Switch to Number 2
Fast forward to 2008. Mark Cuban pulls the trigger on a massive trade to bring Kidd back. But there was a problem: Josh Howard was already wearing number 5.
Kidd didn't make a fuss. He pivoted to number 2.
This is the dallas mavericks jason kidd jersey you see in all the championship photos from 2011. It’s the navy blue or the royal blue "2" that he wore while chasing LeBron James around the perimeter and hitting timely threes. He wasn't the "Airmaster" anymore; he was the veteran floor general.
It’s funny how a number change can represent a whole career shift. The number 5 was about triple-doubles and flashy fast breaks. The number 2 was about IQ, defense, and finally getting that ring at age 38.
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Why Isn't It in the Rafters Yet?
If you look at the ceiling of the AAC, you’ll see Dirk, Ro Blackman, Brad Davis, Derek Harper, and even Kobe (as a tribute). You won't see Kidd.
There's some lingering "it's complicated" energy here. When Kidd left for the Knicks in 2012, Mark Cuban was legitimately hurt. He had a verbal agreement with Kidd, and then Kidd changed his mind. Cuban famously said at the time that there was "no chance" they’d retire his jersey.
But time heals everything, especially when you come back and coach the team to a Finals appearance like Kidd did in 2024. Most experts, including long-time Dallas sportswriters like Brad Townsend, suspect it’s only a matter of time before the number 2 (or 5?) goes up.
Buying Guide: Authentic vs. Mitchell & Ness
If you are looking to grab a dallas mavericks jason kidd jersey today, you basically have three paths.
- The Mitchell & Ness Hardwood Classics: These are the most common "high-end" options. They usually recreate the 1994-95 green or blue "Road" jerseys. They’re stitched, they’re heavy, and they cost about $135.
- The Vintage Champion Search: If you want the authentic 90s feel, you have to hit eBay or Etsy. Look for the "Made in USA" Champion tags. Be careful with sizing; those old 90s "44" or "48" sizes fit a lot slimmer than modern Nike jerseys.
- The 2011 "Championship" Jersey: These are surprisingly hard to find. Since Nike took over the NBA contract later, these Adidas-branded number 2 jerseys are mostly found in the secondary market.
Spotting a Fake
Don’t get burned. Because Kidd played in so many eras, bootleggers love to mix and match details that don't belong together.
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I've seen jerseys with the modern Mavs "Horse" logo but with the number 5 on it. Kidd never wore that. By the time the Mavs switched to the current "Horse" logo in the early 2000s, Kidd was already in New Jersey. If you see a "Horse" logo jersey with number 5 and Kidd's name, it’s a custom or a fake.
Real J-Kidd Dallas Combos:
- 1994-1996: Number 5. "M" Hat Logo. Green, White, or Royal Blue.
- 2008-2012: Number 2. "Horse" Logo. Navy, Royal, or the "P.7" Green Alternate.
What to Do Next
If you're serious about adding a dallas mavericks jason kidd jersey to your collection, start by deciding which "version" of Kidd you prefer.
If you love the flashy rookie who took the league by storm, go for the Mitchell & Ness 1994-95 Swingman in green. It’s a head-turner at the arena.
If you’re a die-hard who values the 2011 title above all else, hunt for a 2010-2011 Adidas Revolution 30 jersey in navy. It’s the "grown-up" choice.
Check the stitching on the back nameplate. On authentic 90s jerseys, the letters are often spaced slightly wider than on modern replicas. If you’re buying on eBay, always ask the seller for a photo of the laundry tag inside the lower side seam; that’s where the real date codes live.