NEW YORK — Looks like J.R. Smith has made up his mind, and he is reportedly headed to the New York Knicks.
This was a topic of discussion this morning on the Armando and Perk radio show in Miami, where I predicted he’d play on Broadway and my hosts believed he’d go to the Clippers. Click here to listen to the interview.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, who has broken so many stories on the Knicks beat that the team once sent a security spy to shadow him to try to discern his sources, was first with the news earlier today: “The Knicks are closing in on a deal to sign free agent shooting guard J.R. Smith, the Daily News has learned. Smith began the season in China, but has been eyeing a return to the NBA once the lockout ended. Smith’s agent, Leon Rose, met with Garden Chairman James Dolan following Wednesday’s Knicks’ win over Sacramento to finalize a contract. It is believed that Smith, who has also attracted the interest of the Clippers, will receive the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception. Rose also represents (Carmelo) Anthony, who has lobbied the club to add Smith, an explosive scorer who can also be erratic at times. He has averaged 12.5 points per game over seven NBA seasons. … In order to create a roster spot for Smith, the Knicks would have to release a player. If (Jeremy) Lin never got a chance two weeks ago he would have been the most likely candidate. Instead, someone from the group of Mike Bibby, Renaldo Balkman or Toney Douglas is in danger of being released. Dolan, Mike D’Antoni and GM Glen Grunwald met late last night to discuss the team’s options.
The Knicks are ranked a ghastly 26th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, ahead of only the Bobcats, Hornets, Lakers and Jazz.
As a team, New York has made 205 of 676 attempts, an average of .303.
Steve Novak (.457) and Josh Harrellson (.356) are the only players on the roster who have made more than a third-of their attempts.
Smith is a career 37 percent shooter from behind the arc despite being a volume shooter — 467 attempts two years ago, 318 last season.
Another player that can’t play D. Yeah! Why the hell not!
Knicks will get J.R. Smith and he will only help them legitimize them more of an NBA title contender, like I’ve been saying all season.