New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. is probably going to be in street clothes for New York's preseason opener against the Washington Wizards on Monday night, according to Ian Begley of SNYtv:

Smith has been dealing with a strained lower back and also missed the team's open practice earlier this weekend. The team indicated that it is a muscle-related issue that is separate from any previous discomfort that Smith has experienced in the past.

The Knicks will be counting on Smith to take major strides this season. He was essentially the centerpiece of the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, and he is preparing for a crucial third season.

Although Smith has some unbelievable athleticism at the point guard position, he has looked incredibly inefficient from an offensive standpoint.

Smith shot below 40 percent from the field in his rookie year, and his three-point percentage took a precipitous drop upon moving to the Big Apple.

However, the Knicks have been encouraged with Smith's work in the offseason. The former NC State star spent six weeks working with New York assistant Keith Smart on his jumper.

The Knicks were expected to be major players for marquee free agents like Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler this summer. Instead, they ended up with Julius Randle, Bobby Portis and Taj Gibson, amongst other mid-level talents.

As such, New York's young core of Smith, Mitchell Robinson and rookie R.J. Barrett will have to carry a lot of the burden as the Knicks look to improve on a 17-win season last year.