Dennis Smith Jr. was unhappy with his role when he was with the Dallas Mavericks. He clearly wanted more opportunity, but the arrival of rookie Luka Doncic prevented that from happening. Now, he's starting fresh with the New York Knicks, and coach David Fizdale is planning to give him what he wants.
David Fizdale says he wants to put the ball in Dennis Smith Jr.’s regularly and that he will challenge him to improve on the defensive end.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 2, 2019
The Knicks aren't making the playoffs this season, and at this point, they will evaluate all the players they have to see who can stay beyond this season. Smith is obviously going to be one of the guys they will closely look at. The former ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft has shown flashes of being a great point guard in the league, and he can prove that once again in New York.
Smith was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks. Ironically, he was sent to the team that passed on him in the 2017 draft, as the Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina using the eighth pick.
The Knicks are planning to make a major splash in this summer's free agency. Trading Porzingis allowed the franchise to free enough cap space to sign two superstars to max contract. They reportedly traded Porzingis knowing that they can sign both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
It has yet to be determined whether or not Smith can be part of the Knicks' long-term future, but for now, he will be given the rest of the season to prove himself to the franchise, and even to the rest of the league.
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