Dennis Smith Jr. found himself glad to be in a different situation after making his debut with the New York Knicks, a chance to start with a clean slate.

“I think that was important for me, with everything that was going on,” Smith Jr. said putting up eight points and dishing out six assists in his first game as a Knickerbocker, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. “…I knew about [Knicks head coach David] Fizdale from the Grizzlies. I was a fan of him. I feel like it's a big opportunity for me. I've just got to make the most of it.”

This represents a do-over for Smith as much as it does for the Knicks, who had the chance to draft the freakishly-athletic Smith in the 2017 NBA Draft, but opted for Frank Ntilikina instead — a gamble that hasn't panned out.

Smith will take on the reins at the point guard position while the Knicks look to make more moves before the Feb. 7 trade deadline closes in, with the expiring contracts of DeAndre Jordan, Wes Matthews, and Enes Kanter still pending.

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The North Carolina State product had only spent a season-and-a-half with the Dallas Mavericks before it became evident that the team preferred Luka Doncic at the controls, quickly giving him the keys as the star of the future.

Having two ball-handlers didn't really work for Rick Carlisle's team, as the coach often found himself with his soon-to-be Rookie of the Year with the ball in his hands down the stretch.

Smith will have more opportunities through the last 30 games of the season, as well as a chance to build on a strong second year in the league.