After a tumultuous time in Dallas following the drafting of Luka Doncic, Dennis Smith Jr. was traded last week to the New York Knicks in a deal that saw Kristaps Porzingis become a Maverick. Smith Jr. played his first game with the Knicks on Sunday and while the team lost 96-84 at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies, Knicks head coach David Fizdale was impressed with how the new Knick played.
"The early foul trouble was tough," Fizdale said after the game. "I thought he came out of the gate right away ready to go and looked like he was about to get off to a great start, and then he got the early two fouls. I’ll tell you what: He definitely has a gear. A serious speed gear. He sees the floor well. I see a kid that definitely has something to develop."
Smith Jr. finished the game with 8 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes of playing time. After the game, Smith Jr. explained what it means to him to be given a chance to play in New York.
"I’m just thankful to be here," Smith said according to Sporting News. "I went through the draft process. I came up to New York for a bit and I went out to dinner with [then general manager] Steve Mills and we had a really good time. We built a solid relationship. It was already written. I’m just trying to hit the ground running."
The Knicks have continued to struggle this season as they boast the worst record in the NBA at 10-42.