NBA players are constantly looking for ways to refine their game. Some choose to hone their skills on a practice court, while others monitor their diets under a strict regimen. For New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr, motivation to improve comes in the form of watching his own highlights.

“Sometimes, I gotta remind myself that I know how to hoop,” Smith Jr. told The Athletic when asked if he watches his own highlights.

The Dallas Mavericks selected Smith with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. However, on January 31, 2019, he was traded to the Knicks, along with DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews and two future first round draft picks. In return, New York sent Kristaps Porziņģis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Courtney Lee to the Mavs.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
Leon Rose Knicks, William Wesley, with black silouhettes of Jason Kidd, Chris Finch, Ime Udoka next to them
Knicks’ patient process to replace Tom Thibodeau shouldn’t confuse fansKris Pursiainen ·
ESPN analyst Mark Jackson during the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Stephen A. Smith campaigns for Mark Jackson with Steve Kerr ‘piggyback’ claimZachary Weinberger ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) at Footprint Center.
Stephen A. Smith lists Knicks as best trade options for Kevin Durant, GiannisBenedetto Vitale ·
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center
NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst claims ‘mutual interest’ between Jason Kidd, KnicksJosue Pavon ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks during the first half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: More evidence that Mavericks will deny Knicks’ Jason Kidd requestPreston Byers ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts with teammates after defeating the Boston Celtics in overtime during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
3 moves Knicks must make to win a championship after firing Tom ThibodeauDavid Rooney ·

Now in his second season of service, Smith Jr. is continuing to develop into one of the league's better ball handlers. The former NC State standout has made 13 appearances with the Knicks during their 2018-19 campaign (all starts), racking up averages of 15.1 points on 42.4 percent shooting from the field (29.2 percent from beyond the arc), 6.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 29 minutes per outing.

Though the Knicks were defeated at the hands of the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, 115-108, Smith Jr. had a solid game. In 29 minutes of action, the North Carolina native scored 18 points on 8-of-17 shooting (2-of-4 from downtown), five assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

New York's 13-51 record is currently the worst mark in the NBA. Their next shot at claiming a victory comes on Wednesday, when they'll travel to Phoenix for a matchup against the Suns.