Tuesday afternoon, Jared Dudley announced the end of his 14-year career via Twitter. This comes right after reports began surfacing that Dudley would be joining the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff. Well, Dudley has now confirmed those reports. In a pair of tweets, Dudley shares the news of being a Mavs coach while thanking his former team, the LA Lakers. He also thanks his former teammates LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Lakers president, Jeanie Buss.
Man what a ride! 14 yr NBA career capped off by winning a NBA championship with the @Lakers! Just want to thank GOD for blessing me, also want to personally thank @KingJames @AntDavis23 @JeanieBuss and the Lakers organization,Without Bron and AD I don’t join LAL or wing a ?
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 24, 2021
I been preparing this moment for a long time! From deep talks With Nash, Hill, Shaq, Bron, Booker, Beal, AD, Giannis the list goes on.. Very excited to Join the MAVS and JKidd staff! Perfect fit and opportunity… Time to get to work
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 24, 2021
Just months ago, back in June, Dudley did not hesitate to declare he would return to the Lakers if given the chance. However, due to the Lakers focusing on finding a third point guard and wanting to maintain roster flexibility during the regular season, Dudley is left with no place on the team. This doesn’t come as too much of a shock as the Lakers rarely utilized him this season. Dudley also dealt with a sideline-inducing injury for a few months.
James’ Reaction to Mavs Coach News
Despite Dudley making no real noise on the court, Lebron James is not happy about this recent development. After seeing an early report on Dudley’s move to the new team, James responded to the news.
Congrats to my guy if this true, which is probably is! But ??♂️ man!! FUCK ??????????
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2021
Looking at Dudley’s stats for the past two seasons, it’s confusing that James would be so upset. Well, James has this to say in regards to Dudley.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some real, real true professionals when it comes to that role and guys that are stars in their role, and Dudz is another one of those guys that whatever the team needs — I mean literally, whatever the team needs — he is ready for whatever both on and off the floor,” James said in January. “And that is a diamond in the rough to have for a championship-aspiring ball club. Dudz has been that for us the last two years.”
Clearly, Dudley has made an impression on his teammates, however, it takes more than that to keep a spot on the Lakers.
Kidd and Dudley Past
While it’s unfortunate that Dudley’s retiring and leaving the Lakers, I can’t wait to see how he performs as a Mavs coach. The Mavs coaching staff is lead by Jason Kidd. If you’re unaware, in the past Dudley has come to Kidd’s defense. Since Kidd’s time as head coach of the Bucks came to an abrupt end in 2018, there have been reports of him being “heavy-handed” in his treatment of players. Dudley, who played for Kidd’s Bucks, came to his former coach’s defense on Twitter.
Jason Kidd was a great coach in Milwaukee. The man single handedly change the culture.. One of the biggest turn arounds from one year to the next in NBA history. I personally saw what he did for Middleton and Giannis. He laid the foundation for them winning the chip this year.. https://t.co/VkaUVAHFph
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 11, 2021
Well, with the news of Dudley’s becoming a Mavs coach, it makes sense that he would defend his new boss!
