In the meantime, Hardaway has exceeded every sane expectation for his rookie season, shooting 47.4 percent, 14th among all NBA guards with at least 150 field-goal attempts, and 42.7 percent from behind the arc, 24th in the NBA.

That's not simply good for a rookie. That's good, period.

If the Knicks were a meritocracy, they'd start giving Hardaway more minutes, and he would get the same chance to shine that other top rookies have been given. But the Knicks are the furthest thing from a meritocracy, and there's no guarantee that Hardaway will see the court.

At first blush, Tim Hardaway Jr. offers the Knicks only one skill: shooting. He only averages 2.6 rebounds and two assists per 36 minutes, and he is a liability on defense.

But Hardaway offers more than just a jumper. He is a savant on the fast break, capable of highlight-reel finishes and high-percentage shots at the rim even when multiple defenders are in position.

Smith obviously has far more of a track record in the league than Hardaway, but he is destroying the Knicks' chances to get back into the playoff race at the moment.

It's possible he is still suffering the effects of his offseason knee surgery...in which case he should be playing fewer minutes. It is equally possible that he has completely lost his mind...in which case he should be playing fewer minutes.

At least some of Smith's minutes should be going to Hardaway. If the Knicks are interested in turning their season around, they should give Hardaway more minutes. If the Knicks are interested in developing their first-round draft pick, they should give Hardaway more minutes.