Former Knicks Point Guard Works Out With The Team Ahead of Potential NBA Return

Dennis Smith Jr. was a major part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade from the New York Knicks, but unfortunately, he was never able to find his footing in the NBA. In three years with the Knicks, Smith managed just 9 points and 4 assists per game, but was a valuable part of the bench during those years.

Since departing New York, Smith Jr. has spent time in Detroit, Charlotte, Portland, and Brooklyn, but has never been able to recapture his best form in the league. That led to him missing the entire 2024/25 season, with no teams around the league showing interest in him, but now, it appears that could be changing.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, the Knicks are working out their former point guard this offseason, following a week in which they added Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to their depth. It's unclear exactly what role Smith Jr. would have in New York with Brogdon, Jalen Brunson, and Miles McBride all primary ball handlers for this team, but as a good depth or even G-League addition, this would be a savvy move from Leon Rose.

At 27 years old, even with a full year out of the NBA, Smith Jr. is still one of the most athletic players in the league, and if he can capitalize on that and find a depth role, New York is a great place to be. Ultimately, it's quite unclear why the Knicks are targeting Smith Jr. with several prospects set to make up the depth of this roster, but as of right now, the team has barely put a foot wrong, so fans will be eager to trust the process on Smith Jr., too.