Fratello’s Fantasy Pick: Jason Kidd

The 18-5 New York Knicks currently own the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second best mark in the NBA.

A lot of New York’s early season success can be attributed to 19^th-year, now combo guard Jason Kidd. After spending the last five seasons in Dallas and winning a ring with the Mavs in 2011, 6’4” Kidd signed a three-year deal with the Knicks this past summer.

At the start of this season, many hoops prognosticators publicly stated that 39-year-old Kidd’s effective playing days were behind him. His role with the Knicks would be to provide veteran leadership and to mentor the younger guys.

However, Gotham City seems to have rejuvenated the NBA’s third oldest baller. The bright lights of MSG have added a shooting spark to the 10X NBA All-Star’s game.

In the twelve contests Kidd played for the Blue & Orange in November, he averaged 26.1 mpg, 8 ppg, 3.4 apg and 3.3 rpg. In seven December games so far, he’s averaging 33.3 mpg, 10.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.3 spg and 0.9 bpg.

Kidd is also shooting 48.3% from behind the arc and 92.6% from the charity stripe. He ranks 2^nd in the league in assist/turnover ratio at 4.23. And Kidd has put up season highs of 18 points, 8 dimes, 9 boards, 3 blocks (2X) and 5 steals.

Many basketball buffs believe that Kidd’s production will cool off as the grind of 82 regular season games wears on his middle-aged body. Look for the 5X NBA First Teamer’s production to remain strong as the Knicks battle for their first championship run since 1973.