New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has always been enamored by Dennis Smith Jr., dating back to when he was drafted in 2017. As a 20-year-old point guard, Smith averaged 15.2 points in his rookie campaign, logging 5.2 assists over 29.7 minutes on average.
Smith has gradually seen his production and efficiency in almost every category decreased to a point where he’s no longer considered a starting level player. In fact, he’s mostly been forgotten about, but Thibodeau still believes he can be a difference-maker in the NBA, especially with the next.
It is obvious on the court that Smith has issues moving the ball and creating space for his teammates.