New York Knicks: Smith Jr. has a chip on his shoulder

Apr 7, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. (5) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter of the Knicks 113-110 victory at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks, possible, future point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is looking to prove something this season.  Smith Jr. has been working extremely hard this off-season to lock down the starting point guard spot.

Smith Jr.’s work this summer must pay off as there is no guarantee that he starts, according to Coach Fizdale.  But, there are videos of Smith Jr.’s improved shot with a tucked arm that looks clean, but it is not in game situations.  He will be competing for minutes with Elfrid Payton, Frank Ntilikina and Allonzo Trier.

In a interview with Youtuber ‘SEE HENDO’, Smith Jr. stated, ““I’ve got a chip on my shoulder still, but I’ve just been working. I try to attack each day and look at it as if I didn’t leave anything on the table. I got the most out of my day. … I’m gonna come in, bring that into training camp and be a leader, lead by example, earn my respect from these guys and then carry that into the season.”

Smith Jr. wants to be a leader.  He is going to have to show that he can do that with his play on-and-off the court this season.  Not having a definite starter at the point guard position could just be motivation by Fizdale.  Smith Jr. has the skill set and potential to be the Knicks long-term starting point guard.  His explosiveness gives him the ability to be a superstar in this league.

He is poised for a big year with the Knicks.  The expectations are high for Smith Jr., solely based off his improvements fans have seen this summer.  Expectations are not as high for the entire team.  If he can be the leader that he wants to be, the Knicks can shock people like they want to do.