The other side of the coaching equation: Can the Knicks replace Jason Kidd?

As Draft Day dawns, the Knicks seem to be holding steady at #24 in the draft, but free agency and injuries are making their fans nervous: J.R. Smith opted out. He and Chris Copeland are being "seriously" pursued by the Bucks and no one knows what Pablo Prigioni plans. Worse, the Knicks still haven't decided if Carmelo Anthony needs surgery on his shoulder. If he does, every day they wait means a day lost during the season.

But Steve Popper of The Record writes the stealth loss for the Knicks is the Nets' gain: Jason Kidd. Kidd may have ended his season --and his playing career-- with some miserable shooting. But his loss will be felt, writes Popper and the Knicks had better replace him.

"(W)herever he was — point guard, shooting guard, small forward, starter or bench piece — Kidd was a coach on the court, the leader and brains of the team," Popper writes, noting Kidd started 48 games for New York. "They know they may find someone with more speed or with a steadier shot. But they can’t replace what Kidd provided."

"The real problem for the Knicks is they need a versatile player to fill all the roles Kidd filled."

• NBA: Knicks need guard to fill Jason Kidd's roles - Steve Popper - The Record