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New York Knicks: Offseason predictions for the young core

By Yash Shrivastava

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The New York Knicks huddle against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: The New York Knicks huddle against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Player: Dennis Smith Jr.

2019-20 Season Statistics: 5.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 34.1 FG%, 29.6 3P%

Prediction: Traded

Dennis Smith Jr.’s tenure with the New York Knicks has been underwhelming. Acquired in the blockbuster trade sending Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, Smith looked like the answer to the Knicks’ point guard woes.

With his freakish athleticism and furious dunks, Smith was touted as one of the league’s rising stars. Before this season, he had averaged 14.4 points and five assists per game over his two seasons in the league.

His regression this season was attributed to various injuries, as well as the firing of coach David Fizdale and assistant coach Keith Smart, who had strong ties with Smith.

Smith’s shooting was also another catalyst in his abysmal season. He has always struggled with his jump shot, but his inefficiency this season was alarming, dropping nine percent from the field compared to last season.

However, the Knicks haven’t been an ideal situation for Smith as they lack perimeter shooting and have a glut of point guards ahead of him in the rotation.

Smith played a career-low 15.8 minutes per game and was frequently deferred from for Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina, who are superior defenders. This frustrated Smith, who was unhappy in New York and seemingly preferred to be traded at the deadline.

In fact, the Knicks had internal support for a deal that would have sent him and Julius Randle to Charlotte for Terry Rozier and Malik Monk, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

The Knicks will be more inclined to trade Smith this offseason if they decide to select a point guard with their lottery pick. Leon Rose and the Knicks are likely to be targeting a scoring point guard, with the likes of LaMelo Ball, Cole Anthony, Killian Hayes, and Tyrese Haliburton coming to mind.

Selecting a point guard would certainly push Smith out the door, and it seems that the feeling would be mutual.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic are among the teams who were interested in Smith at the trade deadline. Still, the Knicks will likely not recoup any notable assets in a trade given Smith’s unhappiness and struggles this season.

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