New York Knicks: Don’t Forget About Dennis Smith In 2017 NBA Draft

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Jan 23, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket against Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) in the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Athleticism

The notion that teams need to be explosively athletic to excel in today’s NBA has been proven untrue. The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are shining examples of how systematic basketball will trump individual physical ability more times than it doesn’t.

That’s valuable information to the New York Knicks, but it doesn’t change how desperate the need is for an infusion of athleticism in the backcourt.

Smith has a natural bounce that enables him to get up and over defenders for awe-inspiring finishes. He’s also a blur in transition and a flash of lightning off the bounce, displaying the ability to turn the corner and get into the paint at virtual will.

Considering 2016-17 was Smith’s first season back from the torn ACL he suffered in high school, it stands to reason that he’ll be even more explosive come 2017-18.

The injury provides a measure of skepticism, but Smith has responded wonderfully to it. He’s put the work in to properly rehabilitate his knee and has worked tirelessly to regain the combination of speed, agility, and leaping ability that makes him so dynamic.

If Smith checks out medically, then the Knicks should feel comfortable with taking a chance on this young phenom’s athletic ability—and all of its implications.

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