Will Jason Kidd's Return to Dallas Beget Utopia or Armageddon?

At 23—just two and a half years after he arrived—Kidd was gone. To Phoenix, then New Jersey, grudgingly growing up along the way. Through relentless jeers on his returns to Dallas. Through seven more All-Star appearances, two unsuccessful trips to the NBA Finals and a couple gigs with USA's Dream Team. Through the domestic abuse of his wife and ensuing nasty divorce. Through the death of his father, Steve, from a heart attack in '99.

At 35 (on March 23), Jason BasKiddball is back in Dallas. After 11 years, 868 games and 15 point-guard experiments, the Mavericks are right back where they started—counting on Kidd to be The Man. So far, so good. Evidenced by 32 assists in wins over Memphis and Minnesota last weekend, including a handful of instinctive passes you had to rewind just to see in hindsight what he saw in advance, his game remains electrifyingly effective. And time has tamed his combustive persona. He's now friendly with Jackson and Cleamons. Expecting a child with girlfriend Hope Dworaczyk. Even catching the first bus to the arena (usually reserved for rookies and reserves) for extra pre-game practice.

Kidd's first triple-double occurred with Dallas. Next time he accomplishes the feat, it will be his 100th. If karma has a heart—or at least a sense of irony—this shit's somehow gonna work out.

Surreal. The prodigal player is suddenly a heart-warming hero.

"I won't let the Mavericks forget me. As long as I'm able, I'm going to make them regret trading me." —Kidd on December 26, 1996

"Back then I wasn't ready to carry a franchise. Now I'm a different player, a different person. Hopefully I'll come back where I started and help Dallas win a championship." —Kidd on February 21, 2008