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
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden
Knicks rumors: How player input factored into New York’s decision to fire Tom ThibodeauQuinn Allen ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) talks with Assistant Coach Rick Brunson in the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons questions the role Jalen Brunson’s dad will play in Knicks’ HC searchJulian Ojeda ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Knicks expected to make Jason Kidd request after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns looking sad, with Lakers, Warriors, Bucks, Suns, Mavericks, Spurs, Rockets, Cavs logos all over him
Ranking 4 Karl-Anthony Towns trade destinations if Knicks blow it upJedd Pagaduan ·
Knicks' Mikal Bridges looking serious, with Lakers, Warriors, Thunder, 76ers, Pistons, Rockets, Spurs logos around him, question marks all over
Ranking 5 Mikal Bridges trade destinations if Knicks blow it upJedd Pagaduan ·
Knicks logo in the middle, with head cutouts (head only) of Landry Shamet, PJ Tucker, Delon Wright, Cameron Payne, Precious Achiuwa around the logo, question marks all over
3 best players New York Knicks must re-sign in 2025 NBA free agencyJedd Pagaduan ·

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.