When the New York Knicks acquired point guard Dennis Smith Jr., the team believed it would be getting a franchise player who would help carry them for years to come. This past week, however, questions have begun to pop up regarding his eating habits.

Speaking to the media this week, the young guard made an effort to make it known that he doesn’t have poor eating habits, despite reports that state otherwise. This past week, it was reported (via the New York Post) that Smith went food shopping with Erika Whitman, the Knicks' sports dietitian.

A week prior to that, Smith Jr. was benched in the fourth quarter, and a conversation began surrounding Smith and his sleeping and eating habits. Despite that, Smith assured fans and the media that he has no problems with his eating habits.

“I’m telling you, bro, I’m a good eater. It’s common knowledge — cut down on fast food, not a lot of fried food. Eat vegetables and things of that nature. It’s stuff you learn in elementary school. I know how to eat good.’’

“I don’t eat bad,’’ Smith told The Post. “I’m not a bad eater. I eat good. I feel great. The arena is great. I played the whole fourth [Thursday versus Cleveland] with no fatigue. I felt great. [Fizdale] wants me to get with those people, with Erika and the rest of the dieticians, and that’s what I’ll do.”

While the issues have arisen thanks to Smith Jr. not playing in certain fourth quarter situations, the team and player attest that despite the issues, he is trying to eat better now. “I’ve got good snacks in my room now,’’ Smith said. “That was the main thing. When I was stuck in a hotel sometimes, I don’t have anything. I’d probably eat something not good, like at night.’’

Acknowledging that he was eating poorly is a big step for Smith Jr., and beginning to surround himself with healthier foods and a staff that wants him to be the best that he can be will no doubt do wonders for the young player.