Don’t overlook Dennis Smith Jr. among the New York Knicks’ point guards.
Despite the fact that the New York Knicks enter the 2021 NBA season with one of the worst projected outlooks in the league, the team still has a number of interesting position battles. As key young players compete for playing time in an effort to become the star player that NYC so desperately desires, the allocation of minutes will be a key storyline.
The point guard battle should be particularly interesting. The Knicks entered the preseason with a seemingly three-man battle between veteran Elfrid Payton and former lottery picks Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., but rookie Immanuel Quickley has thrown his name into the mix with his impressive play.
While it remains to be seen whether any of the trio not named Quickley will be a part of the franchise’s future plans, the 2021 season will give each a chance to prove why they should be prioritized moving forward. Here’s why the Knicks would benefit most from Smith Jr. emerging as the top option:
The Playing Style
Smith brings a skillset to the table that neither of his teammates can match. Despite a smaller 6’2”, 205lb frame, the former NC State superstar is one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in the league. The 2019 Slam Dunk contest runner-up has an amazing assortment of highlight reel dunks in his four-year professional career.
His above the rim flash would make him a perfect fit in the New York spotlight. Should he recapture starter-level playing time, he would join rookie Obi Toppin and center Mitchell Robinson in one of the most athletic lineups in the NBA.
The Career Peak
In addition to his athleticism, Smith Jr has already shown the most NBA production compared to his PG competition. The former Dallas Maverick burst on to the scene in 2018, making the All-Rookie Second Team during his inaugural season. That season, he also became the fifth-youngest player in league history to record a triple-double in a game.
His career averages of 12.5 points per game are also edges out both Payton (11) and Ntilikina (6). He offers considerably more offensive upside. While the other two options are known more for their defensive prowers, Smith is the most dynamic option.
Star Potential
At the end of the day, Smith Jr’s also carries considerably more name recognition amongst players and fans. This carries weight in an increasingly relationship driven NBA. On the flip-side, Payton has become something of a journeyman, while’s struggles recently drew public comments from fellow Frenchman tony Parker.
Smith has good relationships with stars such as Trae Young, Markelle Fultz, and artist J. Cole. In a modern NBA where star players are more likely than ever to team up with friends, Smith’s unique star power could make the franchise more appealing to future free agents and All-Stars. Of course, future scouting trips will be an abject disaster if this is the only thing the Knicks have to offer. They must also bring the potential for winning and a path to increase a star’s brand.
However, a starting caliber Smith Jr may be enough to sweeten the deal for future assets.
Conclusion
While I would be content to see any of the Knicks’ point guards establish themselves has a legitimate option, I am personally pulling for DSJ. If he can recapture the momentum he carried as the floor general in Dallas, his emergence would put the Knicks in the best possible position.
As a worst case scenario, Smith would also give the team the most interesting trade chip if they elected to target a star rookie in the upcoming NBA draft.
He’s hoping DSJ can rebound from a slow start in NYC. With any luck, his best is yet to come.