" I talked to Grant Hill, and I told him, ‘I played against you a lot, and now, hopefully, I’m getting to coach a player like you. Jabari has the opportunity to be a special player in this league. But it’s not handed to you. He’s going to work, and our jobs are to make him better each day.’ "
- Jason Kidd

In the given quote, Jason Kidd reflects on his interactions with Grant Hill during their playing days and expresses his aspirations for coaching Jabari Smith. He acknowledges that he has seen firsthand what it takes to be a successful player like Grant Hill and now hopes to impart this knowledge to Jabari.

The deeper meaning of Kidd's words goes beyond just personal mentorship; it emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving greatness within professional sports. By mentioning his experience playing against Hill, Kidd underscores the significance of having role models and the value of learning from those who have excelled before them. He also highlights that success is not guaranteed but must be earned through relentless effort and improvement each day. This perspective encourages players to take responsibility for their own growth rather than relying solely on natural talent or external opportunities.

Jason Kidd, a former professional basketball player renowned for his skills both as a point guard and a defender, now transitions into coaching with the same level of dedication he showed during his playing career. His reputation and extensive experience make him uniquely qualified to guide players like Jabari Smith toward reaching their full potential in the NBA.