J.R. Smith: New York Knicks X-Factor in 2014-15?

The New York Knicks are looking to turn their franchise back around after a disappointing season last year, and made quite a few moves this past offseason. Phil Jackson was able to bring Carmelo Anthony back, while also trading away two major problems in Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton. Derek Fisher was brought on board as the Knicks’ new head coach, and the Knicks acquired some new talent that will fit what they need very well.

One player that is returning from last season that is an interest to quite a few Knicks’ fans, is shooting guard J.R. Smith.

He was the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year two seasons ago, but completely self-destructed last season. Whether it was getting benched for having a bad attitude or untying an opponents shoe on a free-throw attempt, the entire year was a complete joke for Smith. This season, Smith is going to be asked to step up and return to the form that he played at two seasons ago.

Smith ended up averaging 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season, and actually saw his three-point shooting percentage rise to 39.4 percent. That being said, his attitude was completely off, and he didn’t fit in well with the team. Head coach Mike Woodson couldn’t deal with some of Smith’s issues, and ended up sitting him on the bench for a few games in a row at one point during the year.

During the 2012-13 season, Smith averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, and was a feared scoring option off the bench. The Knicks desperately need that version of Smith back, who will care about the game and feed into his competitive side. Untying opponents’ shoes and being lazy on the defensive side of the court simply cannot happen this year for a player with the type of talent and athletic ability that Smith possesses.

JRSmithShootingChart /

As you can see from the shooting chart above, Smith was extremely dangerous from all around the three-point arc last year. He will have quite a few opportunities to do just that once again this year in Fisher’s triangle offense, and will need to be ready for that opportunity. New York still doesn’t have a consistent number two scoring option alongside of Anthony, so that will be Smith’s job once again if he takes the season seriously.

It will be very intriguing to see how he fits into the new Knicks’ offense. His three-point shot will come into play much more, and that is something that he is obviously ready to take on. Smith also has the ability to get to the rim, and that could come in handy for the Knicks as well.

On the defensive end of the court, Smith is going to need to bring a lot more effort and focus. There is no reason that he should get beat by most of the shooting guards int he league, and his athletic ability should make him a very tough defender to play against. New York hasn’t been playing up to their potential on the defensive end of the court, and that has to change this season against a much improved Eastern conference.

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There is absolutely no question that Smith can take the next step forward this year, but he has to take things seriously and put in hard work. New York isn’t likely going to be a championship contender this year, but they have a chance to be a playoff team that could cause some issues for better teams. Everything depends on the play of both Smith and Amar’e Stoudemire this season.

Perhaps the change of head coach will help Smith take the next step and get back to being a consistent scorer. Maybe the change in the locker room without the negativity that both Chandler and Felton brought to the table will help Smith’s attitude. The Knicks need him to come through this season, and it’s up to Smith to be just as good as he wants to be.

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