Dennis Smith Jr. Has Extended His Range This Offseason
This Summer Dennis Smith Jr has been in the gym really working to improve his game head into his third season as a member of the New York Knicks. This offseason he has already sought advice from future Hall of Famer Chris Paul on how to be a better leader this season. He has also been developing his game from behind the three-point arc with the help of NBA trainer Chris Brickley.
One of the knocks on Smith Jr. before being traded to the Knicks as a member of the Dallas Mavericks was that due to his shooting ability, and he was not a great fit playing next to reigning Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic on the offensive side of the ball. So, the Mavericks decide to make a trade deadline deal to send Dennis Smith Jr, DeAndre Jordan, and Wesley Matthews in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee.
Back in July, former Knicks guard Nate Robinson shared with me that he would like to see Smith be more aggressive this upcoming season, and improve his outside shot.
“Dennis Smith Jr. must be more aggressive and needs to work on his outside shot. If he can get that down, then he will be fine because he already is athletic enough to go by people and go dunk on them. You already have that part to your game and now it is time to add an outside shot to your game, so people fear you like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard. If that happens it is easier the get to the basket.“
Last season Smith according to Basketball-Reference.com averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Smith is also looking to have a breakout season with the Knicks. Earlier this summer he stated he is looking to help lead them to the playoffs. The team hasn’t made the postseason, since the 2012-13 season with the additions such as Marcus Morris, Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, and Bobby Portis.
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