While there has been much discussion about the Knicks’ recently freed up cap space and what they’ll be able to do with it, it’s important to remember that New York landed a 2017 lottery pick heralded as a prized acquisition mere months ago. Ian Begley of ESPN writes about head coach David Fizdale‘s plans to utilize Dennis Smith Jr.
“I want to put the ball in his hands a lot and get him out in the open court and get him a lot of space. Give him some freedom to make some mistakes,” Fizdale said. “There’s no doubt about it. The kid’s a talent, and hopefully we can bring it out consistently.”
Although his role changed dramatically in Dallas when Luka Doncic arrived, Smith averaged 17.1 points and 6.5 assists per game for the Mavs during the final 15 games of the 2017/18 season and was widely regarded as a building block for the future of the franchise.
There’s more out of New York:
- The Enes Kanter saga continues in New York as fans clamor for the 25-year-old to see court time but the coaching staff doesn’t budge. In five of the past seven games, Kanter has recorded DNP-CDs. Today, Kanter told Jonathan Lehman of the New York Post that he awaits his future. “I have four days left,” Kanter said, referring to Thursday’s trade deadline. “I’m just going to wait four more days to see what happens, and then if something happens, it happens. If [it doesn’t happen], I’ll just go sit down with the front office, see what’s going on, see what they plan to do with me.“
- We wrote earlier today about Knicks president Steve Mills‘ comments about the Kristaps Porzingis trade, listing the various reasons why the club chose to trade their once prized franchise pillar. ESPN’s Ian Begley wrote about Porzingis’ own commentary on the situation. “The city deserves better than that,” Porzingis posted on Instagram. “My suggestion for Knicks fans is to stay woke.”
- It’s hypothetically possible for the Knicks to land Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis but don’t expect much of a balanced roster if that happens. As Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider writes, even if New York just acquires Durant and Irving, they’ll have a steep drop-off to the team’s third-best player.
Ya, dont think KD and Kyrie are gonna be too happy with Lance Thomas as the third option. Maybe they can bring back Vujacic and Prigioni.
Huh?
Lance Thomas’ 2019 salary is partially guaraneed.
Progioni retired and an assistant coach for the Nets?
They still have DSJ, Knox, Frank, Mitchell Robinson, Dotson… likely top-3 first round pick this year, as good chance as any to win the Zion sweepstakes.
Yeah that’s a real murderer’s row.
Settle down X don’t get in the bad books on hoops rumours too
1M guaranteed for Lance.
Option 3 is Barrett or Zion if they don’t give up the pick for AD. DSJ is also a 3rd option. Not sure of the dramatic drop off comment.
I feel for kanter he just wants to play some ball
Kanter should have declined his option and gone to a playoff team that need a scoring big man and thinks defense is optional.
The soooner Kanter recognizes that he is a pretty good backup 5 and nothing more, the better it will be for all. The guy can’t guard which is not a big issue v. most opponent’s 2nd unit. Of course he was paid like a starter and thus the disconnect.
The kid’s a talent, and hopefully we can bring it out consistently.”
I should become a Knicks fan
Fizdale is the man if he can get this done
I can live with “just” acquiring KD and KI because the drop off is there from those two whether we acquire those two or not. In that event, I see getting Vonleh (and Kornet) back as important, for continuity among other things. The other guys would come from the 6 first and second year players that play this year, and the 1st round pick. I’m not as high on Fiz’s developmental abilities as he is, but some guys from this group almost have to make a jump from year 1 to 2, or year 2 to 3, regardless. At a minimum, we’ll have young cheap pieces to move in trades (along with some extra picks). There shouldn’t be any problem creating a good 3-10 roster.
Don’t forget picking up a solid veteran at the league minimum who wants to enjoy the ride
Enjoy the ride with the Knicks??? You crack me up buddy!
The knicks should trade Kanter to the Turkish government for cash considerations
Can someone explain the last two words of the headline above this article: ” San Antonio Spurs Knicks Notes: Smith Jr., Kanter, Staying Woke”? What does “Staying Woke” mean? I am thoroughly confused!
What exactly would the cost be for all 3, signed for their max? I believe the roster limits for 2019/20 are at $109m & $132m, and for 2020/21 $118m & $143m.