Dennis Smith Jr. has shown a lot of potential in his first two years in the league. The former ninth overall pick averaged 14.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 21 games for the New York last season.

However, as the team enters an all-important season where they will look to prove themselves to the rest of the league, head coach David Fizdale wants DSJ to be at his best.

Fizdale hinted that Smith isn't assured of getting the starting point guard spot for the Knicks. He told Ian Begley of SNY TV that the 21-year-old guard will have to earn it by playing well in their final two preseason games.

“He put in so much work this summer and I don't think it's fair for him to keep the same eyes from last year on him. We want to get a fresh set of eyes. He had a heck of a camp up to the point where he got sprained.”

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) warms up before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden.
Bojan Bogdanovic makes big retirement decision after 2024-25 campaignZachary Weinberger ·
Mar 5, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) laughs before the game with the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns shares funny post after Dawn Staley’s Knicks interview Rishav Bhat ·
May 11, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins (right) and Interim Golden State Warriors Head Coach Mike Brown (left) lead their teams from the sidelines during game five of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Rondone-Imagn Images
Knicks rumors: Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown heading into 2nd round of HC interviewsKris Pursiainen ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena. Thibodeau
Knicks rumors: New York interested in Dawn Staley for head coaching jobZachary Howell ·
2025 NBA Draft Big Board First Round
New York Knicks 2025 NBA Draft grade for pick No. 51Drew Maresca ·
Leon Rose, Mohamed Diawara, New York Knicks logo with Madison Square Garden behind them
Knicks draft intriguing French prospect after Clippers tradeKris Pursiainen ·

DSJ missed the Knicks' first two preseason exhibitions, but he's expected to suit up against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday and against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday. New York will open the 2019-20 season against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 23.

Everyone on the Knicks roster is pretty confident they have what it takes to be competitive this season. Fizdale knows this, which is why he wants every member of the team to work hard for their minutes, including DSJ.

The team has Elfrid Payton, who was impressive for the Pelicans last season, and Frank Ntilikina, who played well in the FIBA World Cup this summer. Any of those guys can take away Smith's minutes.

Now, it is up to him to prove that he deserves to be in the Knicks' starting point guard.