The Dallas Mavericks had one of their most successful seasons of all time last year. The team broke many barriers, reaching the NBA Finals for the third time in franchise history. This was a big improvement from the season before, as they failed to make the playoffs during the 2022-23 year. Dallas took a major step in the right direction, taking down some of the top teams in the Western Conference including the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves.

One big reason for their success was the connection and improvement between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Dallas duo took their relationship to the next level, as they spent more time together. The pair grew closer off the court, playing spades and connecting their families.

Another motive for their improvement this season was the coaching of Jason Kidd. The Mavs coach did a great job making changes in the starting lineup while forcing players to buy into his system.

Mavericks fans finally trust Jason Kidd again

The biggest thing for Kidd though was gaining the trust of his fans. He seems to have done, as this past season gave them a reason after a rough season before that saw the team missing the playoffs entirely. Some fans were even calling for Kidd’ss job, but that isn’t the case anymore.

The Athletic’s Tim Cato completed his fifth annual survey (subscription required) this offseason. 2,029 Mavs fans responded to questions about their confidence level in the team. The poll focused on items such as favorite players and team success. However, when it came down to their trust in the coaches, fans agreed on one thing.

Their confidence level in the team’s coaching was at an all-time high. 60.7 percent of the fans had “more” confidence in the staff than in previous years, while 20.4 percent had “much more” confidence than in prior seasons. Most of the improvement can be attributed to Kidd.

This was a whole different tone than before. Not too long ago fans questioned Kidd’s decision to tank at the end of the 2022-23 season. This was seen as a major downgrade, as the team had made the Western Conference Finals the year prior. Although this was an organizational decision, Kidd seemingly took the heat for it.

Kidd’s plan worked out in the end, as Dallas used their tanking strategy to acquire Dereck Lively II. This is a decision supporters have come to love, as the former rookie has become a fan favorite.

Kidd spoke about the team’s controversial decision to tank which caused them to miss the playoffs. Fans held this against Kidd, but he mentioned it was all part of the team’s growth.

It’s safe to say fans have come to love Coach Kidd again. What a difference a year makes. The season before, fans had given the coach unfavorable responses because of their disbelief in the team’s direction.

Kidd must now utilize the tools he was given this offseason to help the team take an even bigger leap next season.

Stay tuned for all the latest about Coach Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks.