3. Work with the coaching staff
In a pre-draft breakdown back in 2017, Mike Schmitz of DraftExpress said that fit was important for Smith. Schmitz went on to say that Smith would be at his best surrounded by accomplished veterans and a coach that he respects. In theory, Dallas should’ve worked out.
Smith’s Mavericks tenure will probably be remembered best for the drama surrounding him and Luka Doncic. Smith was a bad fit with Doncic, so Dallas shopped him. In an unusual move for such a young player, Smith left the team.
But it doesn’t seem like Smith’s problem in Dallas was with the head coach. Despite the circumstances, Rick Carlisle still praised Smith as a team guy and blamed Smith’s advisers for telling him to stay away. Smith was still traded to the Knicks two weeks later.
Smith has a big fan in new head coach Tom Thibodeau. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Thibodeau was enamored with Smith leading up to the 2017 draft. Not enough to take him instead of trading for Jimmy Butler, but enamored nonetheless.
Thibodeau knows what elite point guard play looks like. He coached MVP point guard Derrick Rose in Chicago. But the guy who Smith needs to listen to is assistant coach Johnnie Bryant. The former Utah Jazz assistant is known for his work in player development, having aided the progression of All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Gordon Hayward.
After missing the ball under David Fizdale and his staff, the Knicks are making a point to emphasize player development with the new regime. This can only help a player like Smith going forward.