Kidd takes over in Milwaukee after quitting Brooklyn

(Reuters) – The Milwaukee Bucks completed a stunning move yesterday by hiring 10-times All-Star Jason Kidd as the 14th head coach of the franchise.

“Jason is a determined leader, a tough-minded competitor and a great team mate,” Bucks owners Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry said in a statement.

“We believe his focus, vision and intensity will help him…to rebuild the Milwaukee Bucks as we aspire to achieve excellence over the next several years. We are excited Jason will call Milwaukee his new home.”

Kidd was appointed after the Brooklyn Nets freed him from his contract in exchange for a pair of second-round draft picks in 2015 and 2019.

He takes over from Larry Drew who was fired on Monday after leading the team to a 15-67 record in the first year of his three-year deal.

Kidd, 41, enjoyed a stellar 19-year playing career as a point guard before taking on his first head coaching job at the Nets.