Now, the point-guard competition can truly begin.
After missing the Knicks’ first two preseason games with a strained lower back, Dennis Smith Jr. was a full participant in Sunday’s practice and appears likely to return for the team’s next preseason game, Wednesday against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
“He’s doing what he left off doing, which is really competing defensively, pushing the pace, attacking, organizing us,” coach David Fizdale said. “He had a really good practice.”
Following two preseason starts from Elfrid Payton — who shot 0-for-9 from the field in Friday’s 115-99 blowout loss to the Wizards — Fizdale wouldn’t commit to starting Smith at the point in the next game.