1. Killer Instinct
Throughout his one-year career with the North Carolina State Wolfpack, Dennis Smith looked the part of a future NBA star. He produced at a high level, flashed elite athleticism, and earned the respect of the players and coaches he encountered.
What truly makes Smith special, however, is the trait that some fans believe comes naturally and actual players rarely possess: a killer instinct.
Smith doesn’t shy away from the biggest of moments, nor does he crumble under the brightest of lights. He’s a big-game player who’s up to the challenge of going up against favored competition and putting it all on the line.
Smith leaves it all on the court, and if the New York Knicks were to draft him, they’d be selecting the type of player Derrick Rose proved to be in 2016-17.
Just as Rose consistently made big shots down the stretch for the Knicks, Smith did the same for North Carolina State. The difference, of course, is that Rose is far deeper into his NBA career, while Smith can still be developed into the final role of a closer.
With Smith, Kristaps Porzingis, and Willy Hernangomez, the Knicks would have three young players who all seem to live for the big moments.
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The New York Knicks will have options come the 2017 NBA Draft. Don’t disregard Dennis Smith as one of them.