New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was reportedly “enamored” with point guard Dennis Smith Jr. prior to the 2017 draft when he was running the Minnesota Timberwolves, per Ian Begley of SNY TV.
The Dallas Mavericks drafted Smith with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft out of N.C. State. The Knicks acquired the explosive guard from the Mavs in the blockbuster Kristaps Porzingis trade during the 2018-19 season.
Since it appears Thibodeau is fond of Smith, the youngster could have a breakout season with the Knicks in 2020-21.
Something worth noting on the workouts: Tom Thibodeau and others with the Timberwolves at the time were enamored with Dennis Smith Jr. coming out of college, sources say. Thibodeau and others from the organization attended Smith Jr.’s private pre-draft workout.
Since arriving in New York, Smith has averaged 9.0 points and 3.9 assists in 55 games while shooting 38.3 percent from the field, 29.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 54.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Thibodeau has a history of developing point guards the right way. He helped former Knicks star Derrick Rose become the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011 with the Chicago Bulls and also got the most out of Nate Robinson and D.J. Augustin when Rose was hurt in 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively.
Knicks fans are hoping Thibodeau and new president of basketball operations Leon Rose can save the franchise and help Smith, R.J. Barrett, Frank Ntilikina, Mitchell Robinson, and Kevin Knox take their games to the next level.
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