Dennis Smith Jr has the opportunity to become the reason the New York Knicks make the playoffs next season. The electric high flying New York Knick point guard has been showing off his newly improved jump-shot during various pickup games this offseason.
During the 2019 NBA Summer League this past July, Dennis Smith Jr sought out help from NBA veteran and fierce competitor Chris Paul. Smith made sure to pick Paul’s brain on leadership as they worked out together.
If DSJ continues building his game both mentally and physically, the Knicks would benefit tremendously. Plus, throw in the growing chemistry and connection between Dennis Smith Jr. and Mitchell Robinson, they’ll most likely begin looking like a younger version of Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler from their New Orlean Hornets days. Dennis Smith Jr.’s improved shotmaking ability will do nothing but help the pick and roll game between himself and Mitchell Robinson. A superb pick and roll two man game between those two will open up the court for shooters and make the game easier offensively, lessening scoring droughts. This style definitely takes the pressure off the shooters on the wing and the corner.
Today’s NBA is about proper spacing and being able to provide shooting for the most part. Smith has the chance to be a nightmare for opposing point guards once the jump-shot becomes consistent on a nightly basis. There’s definitely a chance Knicks coach David Fizdale may use DSJ similar to how the Utah Jazz use Donovan Mitchell offensively. Utah starts Rubio at point guard and Donovan Mitchell at shooting guard. If Smith’s shot improves dramatically don’t be surprised if Elfrid Payton starts at point guard and DSJ starts at shooting guard during the preseason. It’s all predicated on Dennis Smith Jr.’s jump-shot. We will find out if the improvements are real or not once the 2019-20 NBA season begins.