New York Knicks: Grades and takeaways from comeback loss to Nets

Where are you, Dennis Smith Jr.?

A strained back paused Dennis Smith Jr.’s preparation for the 2019-20 NBA season, so when he returned for the third preseason game, shedding rust was expected; it, indeed, happened for the last two exhibitions, carrying into the regular season.

Opening night featured just 10 minutes on 1-for-4 shooting for Smith, who fell behind Payton in the point-guard pecking order. Unfortunately for him, it did not prove to be a one-off, with another disparaging performance against Brooklyn, lacking confidence in shot-taking; he went 0-for-4 in four minutes and did not return to the game.

Smith was outplayed by Payton by 20 minutes, and, as noted, Trier controlled the guard duties. Plus, Barrett handled the ball on occasion. That all pushed the North Carolina State product down the bench, not needing his services when others outperformed him passing and shooting the basketball.

At this rate, Smith may become the next player to receive a “DNP-CD.” He has just 14 minutes through two games, and Barrett, Payton and Trier are all outplaying him in the backcourt. That could benefit someone like Ntilikina, who had his own rough go-around in the season opener if Fizdale thinks a change or reset must happen for the 2017 No. 9 overall pick.

Either way, Smith’s game is off, and he is not benefiting the New York Knicks right now. Maybe this is just a cold start to the season, but after a difficult end to the 2018-19 campaign, rough outings have become a trend for the third-year man.