New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. will make an All-Star jump

This NBA season, D’Angelo Russell was the first real All-Star New York basketball was able to see in a long time. After next season, the New York Knicks Dennis Smith Jr. could be the second.

Following the blockbuster deadline deal that would see Kristaps Porzingis sent to Dallas, the New York Knicks got a great return. The Garden faithful welcomed Wesley Matthews, DeAndre Jordan, and the trade’s most valuable piece, Dennis Smith Jr.

Big D goes south

During his first season and change in Dallas, Smith would average 14.5 points as the starting point guard. He was looking like the next Mavericks franchise player who would have the potential to sustain himself in the league for a long time. Then Luka Doncic came into the picture.

Once the favored Rookie of the Year, Doncic made his way to Dallas, there was an instant change of direction. The franchise was set on making Doncic the focal point of the offense and the whole organization. It was the right call, considering that he’s been a phenomenal rookie all year long.

Doncic has the experience and talent to go down as one of the best foreign players to ever play in the NBA barring some unforeseen occurrence. So, with all of that happening in the matter of a few months, it was time for Smith to get a change of scenery.

Making a mark in NYC

Ever since making the deal, Smith looks like a promising addition as the primary ball handler in New York. His usage rates shot up in a Knicks jersey as did his all-around statistics as well. Smith’s points, assists, and shots per game all increased as the centerpiece to the New York Knicks offense. That should be an encouraging sign for fans coming into next year. He reminded me of the meteoric rise of Brooklyn’s new star guard, D’Angelo Russell.

Many people like to overrate Smith and say that he’s a ‘bust’, but he’s only 21. DSJ has shown that when he’s the primary facilitator and ball handler, he can succeed just like Russell did this season. It wasn’t an instant rise to stardom, but once became the guy that the Nets knew they could build around, Russell became an elite player. Something that he could never achieve with the Lakers.

The same goes for Smith.

Future looks bright

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He has an opportunity to not only be an All-Star next season but also has the opportunity to play with the biggest college prospect the game has ever seen, Zion Williamson and possibly the NBA’s most dominant scorer, Kevin Durant.

There’s a strong chance that the Knicks will be able to draft Zion with the first overall pick in this year’s NBA draft and there’s always the potential for New York to attract a big name, free agent. As long as that star free agent isn’t a primary ball handler like Kyrie Irving, Smith will thrive with an All-Star like Durant or Jimmy Butler on his team.

With potential scoring options like that, Smith’s assist numbers are bound to skyrocket and his scoring game can only get better. His 32 percent clip from three-point land will likely increase with age, as most players improve their three over time.

His raw athleticism and improvements as a two-way player make him a viable option in this league with some fine-tuning. That fine-tuning will once again come with experience, help and all around ability which Smith will more than likely have at his disposal next season.

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Just like Russell, it may take a full season with his new team before Smith can make that All-Star jump. New York Knicks fans should be patient with this project because if he works out, not only will he be an All-Star next season, he will be a future face of basketball in the Mecca for years to come.

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