Last season, Dennis Smith Jr had a season to forget. The fourth year point caught a lot of criticism because of his jump shot, but during the off-season, he spent a lot of time homing his craft.
“The more work you put in, the more confident you get,” Smith said via Greg Joyce of the Ny Post. “So a lot of times it’s becoming second nature to be aggressive and try to make plays for myself and my teammates.”
Last season, Smith dealt with injuries and the lost of his grandmother, as he only appeared in 34 games. Only averaging 5.5 points, 2.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and shooting 34.1 percent from the field. Smith has the ability to help the Knicks in other areas, if his shots are not falling that is something that fellow North Carolina native Sheldon Bailey would like to see.
” If he is not going to be shooting the ball well, then he is going to have to be creating better. He has a tendency to turn the ball over, and he needs a better assists man,” said Bailey.
“Also, he is going to have to be more durable and stay on the court. So, he can actually develop and show he can be that type of player.”
The Knicks are going to have to adjust to the coaching style of new head coach Tom Thibodeau. On Thursday, Thibs shared with the media that he liked what he was seeing from Smith.
“I think he’s come into camp and he’s been very aggressive,” Thibodeau said. “I think each day, he’s gotten better and better. That’s what we’re asking him to do — to run his team, keep us organized, take advantage of what your strengths are, your ability to get downhill to force people to collapse, and then make the right play. He can score the ball, he’s shooting the ball pretty well right now, but he’s making good plays also.”
The Knicks have a rematch with the Pistons tomorrow as they continue their preseason play.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
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