Jason Kidd announced his retirement from basketball as the 19-year-old veteran called it quits and hung up his laces. Now, the New York Knicks will be without his skills, but more importantly, will the Knicks have to do some shopping for leadership in their clubhouse?
Kidd's 10-game scoreless streak was painful to watch, but the reality is that he wasn't on the floor to score. He wasn't supposed to be running the offense. Kidd's presence in New York was all about his ability to mentor. Sure the man can still hit some shots and thread the needle with his amazing passing abilities, but Kidd's story in New York began when the Knicks were trying to find a leader that could teach Jeremy Lin. It was believed that the Knicks would retain Lin and Kidd would be right there to help in his development.
However, Kidd saw a lot of playing time as Lin packed his bags to Houston and Raymond Felton became Kidd's pupil. Kidd averaged almost 27 minutes, six points and a little over four rebounds per game. Felton worked on his passing and shooting. Though many thought his career was done while with the Portland Trail Blazers, with Kidd along his side, Felton averaged almost 14 points, six assists and three rebounds per game. Felton also averaged 1.4 steals a game.
More important than numbers, the Knicks had a leader in their clubhouse. With guys like Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler, who are emotional players on and off the court, the Knicks found a guy in Kidd who could rally the troops and spread wisdom around the clubhouse. There were no punched fire extinguishers in 2013. The Knicks were plagued with injuries and they were frustrated since a few of their guys couldn't perform up to par, but the Knicks seemed like a mature team as they finished in second place in Eastern Conference.
With guys like J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert on the Knicks roster, they will have to depend on whatever they can produce, but the one thing the Knicks can't do is replace the lessons taught by Kidd. Many will want Carmelo Anthony to become a true vocal leader or they might want Chandler to channel all his emotions in the right direction and help the team grow.
The Knicks will be with a leader on the court as Anthony continues to make a bid for an MVP and NBA Championship, but New York will be out of a true general of the court and a winner in Jason Kidd.
