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New York Knicks: 3 players likely to struggle in 2020-21

By Orestis Rantis

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with Kevin Knox II #20 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 20: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with Kevin Knox II #20 against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

3. Dennis Smith Jr.

As described in a previous article, Dennis Smith Jr. is set to begin a 2020-21 campaign that will either make him, or break him. You’d think that after a horrendous third season in the NBA, the only way is up. Or is it?

Originally moved to New York via the Kristaps Porzingis saga, Smith was projected as the next great Knicks point guard. What started very auspiciously with him averaging 14.7 points and 5.4 assists per game during his first season in NY, was only followed by an awful sequel.

Smith’s 2019-20 season was not just plain bad. It was New York Knicks bad. These quite promising numbers turned into a mere 5.5 points and 2.9 assists per game, with his shooting percentages plummeting faster than a Soyuz capsule approaching the Earth’s atmosphere.

Smith is definitely not a slacker. You can admire his work ethic and the collaboration between him and Thibodeau, the guy who quickly turned Derrick Rose into a superstar, is something that every Knicks fan should get excited about, given the similarities between these two players.

Unfortunately for him, the competition is now harder than ever. In the span of an offseason, the New York Knicks broadened their point guard rotation from having just three people, to having six point guards on the team payroll, plus an extra two-way player.

Luckily for him, none of the aforementioned point guards are anywhere near stardom, thus making the rotation spots wide open. No matter what, Smith will have to fight hard for his spot on the team this season.

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