Last summer, Jason Kidd transitioned from retired New York Knicks point guard to head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. With no prior coaching experience, Kidd guided the Nets to a 44-38 record and a trip to the NBA Playoffs.

Kidd made headlines earlier this summer when he bolted the franchise that he’d once led to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances as a player; agreeing to a three-year, $15 million contract to coach the Milwaukee Bucks. “I’m very excited to be here in Milwaukee,” Kidd said at his introductory press conference.

“This is about the Milwaukee Bucks, and I am excited for this opportunity.”

Unlike the veteran club Kidd coached in Brooklyn this season, the Bucks are a roster of young talent, with 19 and 20 year olds. Milwaukee drafted Jabari Parker out of Duke with the second pick in June’s NBA draft. “I feel like I’m going to be able to grow with that organization,” Parker told The Source. “And I’m trying to be a throwback to the organization and only stick with one team.”

Realizing the age and maturity level, Kidd knows he’ll gauge his years as an NBA vet and his coaching experience in this new situation. “It’s about making the guys around me better. I take the same approach as a coach,” said Kidd.

“I’m excited,” Bucks forward John Henson told The Source by phone. “If we can be a contender for the playoffs, then we’ll have a successful season. It’s something to build on as a young group.”

The Bucks were 15-67 this season; the worst record in the NBA. Battling injuries, during the season, the addition of Coach Kidd and a roster with rising star Giannis Antetokounmpo and a core of Larry Sanders, Brandon Knight, Ersan Ilyasova, O.J. Mayo and John Henson, their future is promising. “On and off the court I’ll be able to help these guys,” said Kidd. “That’s what a head coach is supposed to do.”