New York Knicks preparing to inject offensive spark into team

New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.
Feb 16, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Dennis Smith Jr in the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks can finally begin the point guard position battle with youth player Dennis Smith Jr. returning to the lineup. The former Dallas Maverick suffered a lower back strain which kept him out of the first two preseason games for the Knicks, but he was a full participant during Sunday’s practice and will feature in his first game on Wednesday night against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden.

“He’s doing what he left off doing, which is really competing defensively, pushing the pace, attacking, organizing us,” coach David Fizdale said. “He had a really good practice.”

Head coach David Fizdale is hoping that Smith can add a spark to an offense that scored 99 points in a loss to the Washington Wizards last Friday.

Smith’s athleticism and work ethic to improve his jumpshot this off-season should increase the efficiency of the unit and help the offense put more points on the board. Fizdale has all of the confidence in the third-year guard’s first full season with the Knicks.

“Everything I asked him to be better at, I felt like he was showing signs of being better at,” Fizdale said of Smith’s training camp. “Whether it was his conditioning, his shooting or getting us organized and making plays for other people. Hopefully we can keep that going and pick up where he left off.”

He will compete against veteran Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina this off-season for the starting point guard job. Payton has been featuring as the starter in the absence of Smith, but he hasn’t produced much with his opportunity.

Peyton scored just five points over two games and didn’t leave a significant mark on either. Fizdale likes his work rate and defensive abilities, but scoring is not his strong suit.

The New York Knicks need to help Dennis Smith Jr. help himself:

Smith has been working tirelessly on his efficiency from the field and making the most out of his athleticism will be the priority for the 2019-20 season. If Dennis can reach his potential, the Knicks will be set at the point guard position and will lean on Smith to contribute in a big way moving forward.

One aspect of Smith that has increased during his time with New York is his assist rate. He averaged 5.4 assists per game over 21 contest last season after being traded to the Knicks — the highest in his career. Spreading the ball around and being efficient on the floor needs to be a focus for the point guard. Assists have always been a struggle for him and that is half the battle at his position.