Knicks to Evaluate Free-Agent Guard Dennis Smith Jr. in Pre-Camp Workout
Slug: knicks-to-evaluate-dennis-smith-jr-workout
The New York Knicks are scheduled to bring free-agent guard Dennis Smith Jr. in for a workout this week, according to the New York Post.
Smith, 26, has been out of the NBA since the 2023-24 season, when he appeared in 56 games for the Brooklyn Nets. The former No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 draft owns seven years of league experience, including parts of three seasons with the Knicks between 2019 and 2021.
Originally acquired by New York in the 2019 trade that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Dallas Mavericks, Smith entered the league known for his athleticism but later gained recognition as a perimeter defender during stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Nets.
For his career, the 6-foot-2 guard averages 9.7 points, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 40.7 percent from the field. After leaving Brooklyn, he had a brief tenure with Real Madrid, where he averaged 2.8 points in limited minutes.
The Knicks currently have 17 players under contract and are expected to sign second-round pick Mohamed Diawara. They are also weighing roster decisions involving Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews. Smith would need to outperform established veterans to secure a spot, but the front office wants a firsthand evaluation before training camp.
Source: Hoops Wire
