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New York Knicks: Pending free agents to scout in 2018 NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warm ups before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during warm ups before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts during a game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 11: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics reacts during a game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

18. . Combo Guard. RFA. Marcus Smart. 5. player

Age: 24 (3/6/1994)
Experience: Fourth Season
Slash Line: .367/.301/.729
Season Averages: 29.9 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Marcus Smart is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a player worth pursuing. A tenacious on-ball defender and proven postseason performer, Smart could help Frank Ntilikina form the best defensive backcourt in the Association—bar none.

This comes down to the potential cost of doing business, but a player with character concerns and an injury history could be affordable come June.

Smart doesn’t offer much on offense, but he’s a legitimately elite defender. Against guards, Smart utilizes his size, strength, length, and instincts to not only hold them in check, but make full games miserable for them as far as creating offense is concerned.

Smart’s motor never seems to run dry on defense, which makes him the perfect player for a New York Knicks team that desperately needs energy on that end of the floor.

What makes Smart so intriguing is the fact that he’s displayed the ability to defend players at both forward positions. That may sound like a stretch for a 6’4″ combo guard, but he’s been challenged to defend bigs and wings of all sizes.

With a combination of Ntilikina and Smart, the Knicks would have two guards who could realistically switch on to four of the five positions on the floor.

No other team would be able to say that.

Must Read: Top 10 candidates to be the Knicks' next head coach

There’s a possibility that Boston will be eliminated from the playoffs before Smart returns, but if he plays, the New York Knicks should have all eyes on him.

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