New York Knicks president Phil Jackson didn't rule out a possible trade involving guard J.R. Smith. Jackson said the 2-guard has several deficiencies he needs to work on, especially given how crowded the Knicks' backcourt is.
Smith earned the 2013 Sixth Man of the Year award, signed a big contract in the summer and then turned in a poor season all around as the Knicks failed to make the playoffs. He was featured in highlight clips more for his immature behavior than any big plays, and the Knicks purportedly were trying to move him at times last season.
Now with Jackson beginning his first full season as team president, Smith's tenure in the Big Apple could be short. The no-nonsense Zen master spoke to ESPN about each player on his roster, and based on his remarks, Smith has a lot of work to do if he wants to save himself from being traded.
"The 2 position is our deepest, and J.R. Smith is easily the best athlete on the team. But J.R. has to learn the difference between a good shot and a bad shot," Jackson said Wednesday. "He has to trust that the triangle will create good shots and to avoid searching for his own shot. His defense also needs work because he tends to be a ball-watcher, and he's late in chasing his man around screens when he should be tailgating him.
"Defense is the key to any winning team, so Smith has to really work hard on his deficiencies in training camp."
If Jackson did want to move Smith, it would be easier said than done. Smith is due $5.9 million this season and has a $6.3 million player option for next year, he didn't play well at all last season and his immature behavior - like untying an opponent's shoelaces and having a suspension for marijuana under his belt - likely have teams wary about giving up any valuable assets for him.
