New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. Was Never A “Pass First” Point-Guard

New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.
Mar 4, 2019; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. (5) walks off the court during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr.’s fourth-year option was picked up by Steve Mills and company in October 2019. Dennis Smith Jr. then helped Steve Mills get fired.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post:

It was bad enough Mills failed to use the Knicks’ league-high cap space appropriately following the Kristaps Porzingis blockbuster trade 14 months ago. Adding insult to injury was that Smith, the Knicks’ prized athletic acquisition from the Mavericks, laid an egg in 2019-20. The Porzingis trade was Mills’ undoing, according to multiple sources.

Anonymous GM’s around the league stated similar narratives regarding Dennis Smith Jr’s game. One GM went as far to say Dennis Smith Jr is gifted but clueless. The anonymous GM made another statement to the New York Post about Dennis Smith Jr:

Dennis Smith Jr is supremely athletic and can be a gifted scorer as an attack-style ballhandler. However, he’s an average shooter and non-passer. Smith doesn’t have a clue how to make others better. Plus he’s an indifferent defender, meaning when the mood strikes him.’’

Dennis Smith Jr has always been an attack style lead guard since NC State. For scouts that are hoping for Smith to change the way, he’s been playing the game his whole life is as realistic as Dennis Smith Jr’s efforts in changing his jump shot in just one measly offseason. Unrealistic expectations have been plaguing the young high flying guard. Real changes if executed correctly would take years. Unfortunately with new talent being infused into the league on a yearly basis, NBA teams can’t wait that long especially if that particular player is injury prone. It’s an unnecessary risk.

Leon Rose and the Knicks are looking for trade options involving Dennis Smith Jr and sources are saying the Orlando Magic are interested in the young guard. Magic believes they can fix Dennis Smith Jr. just like they did Markelle Fultz.