jskinny35 wrote:Haven't watched him play much - wondering what the consensus is about him and his potential. Are we expecting him to become our starting point or do the Bricks still pick a point like Ja Morant over other solid players like RJ or Cameron if all are available? Seems like he needs the ball in his hands a lot, and doesn't play too much defense. On flip side he is athletic, penetrates and can distribute when he wants to... Thoughts?

JR comes to mind...

Stats-wise, even Mudiay is a little better. DSJr is a bigger TO machine than even Mudiay. And this is quite an achievement in itself.

ESOMKnicks wrote:I have always thought that DSJr is a poor man's DRose. And we all remember how the rich man's DRose worked out over here.

Stats-wise, even Mudiay is a little better. DSJr is a bigger TO machine than even Mudiay. And this is quite an achievement in itself.

I'd like to see Smith and Mudiay on the floor together - Smith can be the scorer- which he is.

And the best part is if he doesn't work out, we can probably trade him for a pick or as a sweetener in another deal.

We got upside potential- whether that is realized or not will play out.

arkrud wrote:

jskinny35 wrote:Haven't watched him play much - wondering what the consensus is about him and his potential. Are we expecting him to become our starting point or do the Bricks still pick a point like Ja Morant over other solid players like RJ or Cameron if all are available? Seems like he needs the ball in his hands a lot, and doesn't play too much defense. On flip side he is athletic, penetrates and can distribute when he wants to... Thoughts?

JR comes to mind...

He has more craft to his game than JR is better at attacking the rim while Jr relied on his jumper. Dennis Smith doesn't take as many boneheaded shots since he is more willing to attack the rim, also has better passing vision. But Jr when he wanted to could defend pretty well and defend multiple positions. Smith's main issue will be if he can defend enough to not be a liability. Also needs to improve ft shooting and tone down the TOS.

He has the potential to round out his game but he has to want it. The fact that he wasn't getting along with Carlisle to go along with his past history isn't a good look for him though.

newyorknewyork wrote:

arkrud wrote:

jskinny35 wrote:Haven't watched him play much - wondering what the consensus is about him and his potential. Are we expecting him to become our starting point or do the Bricks still pick a point like Ja Morant over other solid players like RJ or Cameron if all are available? Seems like he needs the ball in his hands a lot, and doesn't play too much defense. On flip side he is athletic, penetrates and can distribute when he wants to... Thoughts?

JR comes to mind...

He has more craft to his game than JR is better at attacking the rim while Jr relied on his jumper. Dennis Smith doesn't take as many boneheaded shots since he is more willing to attack the rim, also has better passing vision. But Jr when he wanted to could defend pretty well and defend multiple positions. Smith's main issue will be if he can defend enough to not be a liability. Also needs to improve ft shooting and tone down the TOS.

He has the potential to round out his game but he has to want it. The fact that he wasn't getting along with Carlisle to go along with his past history isn't a good look for him though.

Very good post and fair analysis. No secret I thought Smith Jr. was a better pick than Frank. Thought he may have been the point guard we needed to team up with KP. I watched a lot of him in college and watched most of the games in Dallas last year. The hounds around here will have you believe he is just a ball hog with no court vision and does not try on defense. Just not true unless your only source is the UK boards. As those fans saw on Wedenesday, the kid has very good vision, attacks the basket and sets up outside shooters quite well. Agree that he still has a lot of work to oa with his outside shot and defense. But what second year doesn't? Also agree that that is what may hold him back from being a star in the league. He is also very raw at the point guard spot. But think most forget how difficult it is to come into the league and play the point guard position at such a young age. Reason why I thought Frank should been given more games to learn it before we pushed him out of that position. As Nalod mentioned, Smith is just another one of our projects.

With that said, think this was a terrible trade. Think Smith should be dealt for a draft pick. As we are seeing, the hyenas are smelling the potential carcuss. There is no way this kid will get a fair shot here as he is the only return in what may be the worst trade in Knick history. As we have seen with some of the former draft picks we picked up in the off season, living up to expectations is real hard. Think it would be best for both the Knicks and Smith if they shipped him. As much as I liked Smith over Frank, there is no way his play can live up to what KP had created. Which was hope that we were finally on the right track. Dolan has done it again. Fooled the fans into giving him another 5 years of collecting season ticket money, watching the franchise price tag go up and give the Charlie Brown gang another football to try to kick. As I have said before, Mills is a puppet. He is the calssic yes man, not a basketball man. The idea that some thought Perry had any autonomy is ridiculous. Same ole Knicks.

Juliano wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Glad that Smith jr. didnt want to become Robin, to Doncic's Batman. Thats what you want in a starting PG.

That I don't agree with. You want your players to try and do what is good for the team first, unless they belong to a small group of multigenerational talents (Jordan, Kobe, Lebron). That Smith threw a tantrum once he wasn't the shiny new toy anymore instead of working hard to get his spot back -or at least share the spotlight- doesn't tell a pretty story to me, and it fits the image of an entitled diva. We'll see how he develops in NY.

Smith jr was drafted to be a floor general for the Mavs, and was supplanted by a multi generational player, which Doncic looks to be. Chemistry matters. Its not just about being willing to take a lesser role, its also about who you fit in a different role. Smith jr, didnt.

Smith jr knew that, Carlisle knew that, and Mavs mgmt knew it. Thats why Smith jr is a Knick. Believe its too early to say that Smith jr. is a diva. Carlisle admitted that he should have handled the transition to the Mavs with Doncic as the focal point of the offense, better.

Lets see what happens.