Senior point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is looking for another NBA shot. According to Stefan Bondy New York PostSmith will work out with the New York Knicks this week when the New York Knicks make a comeback in the league.
Find a stable career
Smith, who was the 9th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, expects to be a dynamic two-way defender. His athleticism and defensive energy stand out, but offensive struggles limit his influence.
In seven NBA seasons, Smith averaged 9.7 points per game, while shooting just 29.8% from three-pointers. Despite its promising nature, inconsistency and damage prevented him from securing a long-term role.
Smith spent part of three seasons with the Knicks ahead of her last NBA game with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023-24. He then signed with Real Madrid but participated in only two European league matches before opening partially with the club in February.
The Knicks’ current backcourt picture
New York enters the 2025 season and the defender is strong. Jalen Brunson remains the cornerstone and floor leader for the team. During the offseason, the Knicks strengthened his support with Malcolm Brogdon and Jordan Clarkson.
Stable senior organizer Brogdon brings valuable insurance to Brunson. Clarkson added the bench. Together they made New York one of the deeper backcourts in the league.
Despite this, the Knicks opened the door for Smith. If he impressed him in workouts and training camps, his defensive abilities and experience can still make him play a situational role.
Try to make a comeback
Smith’s NBA window was shrinking at the age of 27, but his determination was still clear. A successful workout may lead him to win invitations to train camps, or even an unguaranteed contract.
For New York, the risk is small. In case of damage or depth issues, introducing a lottery pick to defend against rising space offers another option.
Whether Smith is re-established in the NBA is still uncertain, but he adds another chapter to the career defined by perseverance to the efforts he re-struggle.
