New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. needs a confidence boost
New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. has lost out on the starting role but could be in danger of being benched with his recent poor start.
The odyssey of a start for New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. has been puzzling. A first-round draft pick only two seasons ago is already on his second team and still struggling to find a consistent jump shot on the court.
The former North Carolina State star has been missing the mark often from the field, leading many Knicks fans to grow weary of his future with the team. The always opinionated fanbase hasn’t been too happy with Smith’s poor performance of late, especially with Kristaps Porzingis adjusting quickly with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The two players were essential parts of the February blockbuster deal and will forever be linked in NBA history because of it, so Smith shouldn’t expect the comparisons to go away completely.
Knicks head coach David Fizdale has been continuing to give Smith the minutes in hopes of him breaking out of the funk. The veteran head coach spoke recently to the New York Daily News about his young point guard’s mindset.
"“It seems like he’s overthinking it. And he’s pressing,” Fizdale said. “It’s funny how it works when you work on something so much, and it doesn’t click for you right away how that can get to you. But he’ll keep working at it and getting better at it.”"
The unfortunate news of a loss in Smith’s family kept him out of Monday night’s home game against the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks have given him all the time he needs to deal with the situation and eventually return to the lineup. The time off is imperative for the young player to help get his emotions in order and get his life on track.
Fizdale will also need to address the criticism more once Smith returns by making a definite answer on the point guard situation. All three players need the peace of mind in order to be at their best this season.
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