The 2008 Team USA ‘Redeem Team’ is widely regarded as one of the most talented Olympic basketball teams ever assembled. After a disappointing performance in 2004, Team USA entered the 2008 Beijing Olympics with one goal: domination. Led by LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and other NBA superstars, the team went on to achieve that goal with a flawless 8-0 record.
Among the standout players was Jason Kidd, who was already a seasoned veteran in the NBA by the time of the 2008 Olympics. Kidd, known for his leadership, was a valuable presence in the locker room and on the court. However, in a recent reunion of the Redeem Team at their Basketball Hall of Fame induction, Kidd made a surprising claim about his role on the team.
Jason Kidd’s ‘Water Boy’ Analogy
During the reunion, Kidd humorously referred to himself as a “water boy” and “towel boy” on the Redeem Team, despite being a team captain. He jokingly shared his duties, saying, “Great question. I might have been the captain, [but] I was more like the water boy, the towel boy. The clock, I kept the clock to make sure everybody was on time, no one was late. Asked everybody what Gatorade color they liked.”
At 35 years old during the 2008 Olympics, Kidd’s stats were modest, averaging just 1.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Given his role as a veteran presence on a team brimming with young stars, Kidd’s humorous self-deprecation seemed understandable. However, LeBron James was quick to step in and stop Kidd from downplaying his importance.
LeBron James Shuts Down Kidd’s Self-Deprecation
As soon as Kidd made the “water boy” analogy, LeBron James immediately jumped in, saying, “Stop it, stop it, stop it… He’s the only one who’s ever lost a game in international play. Ever. So, you stop it.”
LeBron’s comment was a clear reminder of Kidd’s significant contributions to Team USA. Kidd not only played a key role in helping the team win gold, but he also boasted an incredible 16-0 record in international play, including two Olympic gold medals. His overall international record stands at an impressive 61-2—a remarkable achievement that clearly undersells his leadership and skill.
Kidd’s Legacy with Team USA
While Kidd may not have been a statistical powerhouse during the 2008 Olympics, his leadership, experience, and IQ were essential to Team USA’s success. As LeBron pointed out, Kidd was instrumental in the team’s undefeated run and helped establish the foundation of the “Redeem Team’s” dominance. His humility in downplaying his role may be part of his character, but LeBron’s quick intervention ensured that Kidd’s legendary status in international basketball was properly acknowledged.
