New York Knicks: Five players with the most to prove in training camp

5. Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. is one of the New York Knicks’ few holdovers from 2018-19. The rest of the roster either returned on their rookie deals or departed via free agency, as no player on an expiring contract returned to the team.

Point guard was a messy position last season. Emmanuel Mudiay, Frank Ntilikina, Kadeem Allen and Trey Burke all received significant time. Smith did, as well, as he started well but faded down the stretch due to streaky shooting and a back injury.

Now, the North Carolina State product must enter a point guard competition with a newcomer, Elfrid Payton. There is no telling where Ntilikina stands, and Allen is back on a roster-restricting two-way contract.

Standing out may be difficult against a veteran guard who also has something to prove, but Smith has the familiarity, youth and athletic upside in his favor. It is just a matter of handling the ball properly and making shots, which is easier said than done for the third-year pro.

Even if Smith does not win the job out of camp, he is still in line for significant minutes. Taking the job midseason is possible, too. Either way, there is a role for the 21 year old as he prepares for a crucial season of his career.