Jason Kidd’s Parents Raised Him Well – Facts about Them

Jason Kidd’s parents supported him throughout his basketball career and greatly influenced his life. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Kidd’s parents maintained a healthy relationship for the sake of their children.

Jason Kidd’s basketball success resulted from talent, hard work, and a strong support system. Through challenges and triumphs, his parents had always been there for him.

Jason’s parents, Steve and Anne Kidd stood by his side and beamed with joy when he signed with the University of California at Berkeley. His father, in particular, made an effort to watch most, if not all, of his son’s games.

Jason Kidd and TJ Kidd at NBA Store in New York City, New York, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Jason Kidd’s Parents’ Relationship Encouraged His First Wife to Marry Him

Steve and Anne welcomed Jason on March 23, 1973, followed by two daughters, Denise and Kim. Jason showed his athletic abilities at a young age and initially played soccer. Besides being good at sports, he was also good at being an older brother and took his responsibilities seriously.

The NBA star also looked up to John Wayne as a child and wanted to be tough like him, but his interest turned to basketball as time passed. Steve and Anne knew their young boy already had talent because of his coordination, but it never crossed their minds that he would one day become a professional.

Besides their son’s career, Steve and Anne indirectly influenced Jason’s first wife, Joumana, to join their family. Steve worked for 33 years to give his family a good life, and despite his divorce from Anne, they continued to live in close proximity to spend time with their children.

Jason Kid signs with the University of California at Berkeley, with Steve Kidd, Frank LaPorte, Anne Kidd, and Kimberly Kidd on November 13, 1991, in Alameda, CA. | Source: Getty Images

Joumana also saw Steve and Anne’s unconditional love for Jason; because of this, she knew precisely the kind of man Jason would become. Joumana said:

“I married Jason because, looking at his family, I knew what he could become.”

Steve and Anne undoubtedly raised their son well. His former roommate, Scott Lubeck, said, “He never lost sight of the people he knew and the community he was a part of. You’ve got to give credit to his parents, Steve and Anne. They definitely raised him right.”

Steve Kidd Was Always There for His Son

Steve made ends meet through his job at TWA, climbing the ladder from baggage handler to ticket counter supervisor. He was the person Jason looked up to and counted on to be amongst the crowd during his games.

Jason Kidd during NBA Media Day on September 26, 2022, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

Fortunately, his position at an airline gave him the privilege to go places for free. It allowed Steve to watch many of his son’s games. According to the athlete, Steve is a significant part of his life. Jason said:

“Not just being a father, but he was like a teammate […]. He was just someone that was a security blanket. Someone that I could always talk to.”

Sadly, Steve died from a heart attack in 1999. He was 61 at that time. Three days before his passing, Jason drove him to the Phoenix airport. Steve was moving a bit slower than usual then, but little did Jason know it would be the last time he would see his father.

Jason Kidd’s Mother Didn’t Want Him to Retire

Meanwhile, Anne worked as an assistant programmer at Bank of America. In 2013, she was shocked to learn that her son was retiring from basketball and did not want him to push through with the decision.

However, Anne believed that her son would thrive in any situation and eventually supported his choice to leave the game he loved. She was also there for her son when he had relationship problems with Joumana. As a parent, Anne wanted both Jason and Joumana to be happy.

Jason isn’t the only NBA player who had supportive parents. Basketball star Devin Booker was raised by a strong woman who raised him single-handedly. Similarly, Klay Thompson had encouraging parents who pushed him to pursue his dream.