10 weeks ago, Dennis Smith Jr. was in a starting competition to become the first point guard for the New York Knicks. He battled Elfrid Payton, with Frank Ntilikina receiving sprinkled-in opportunities along the way.
Smith Jr. did not receive any receive through the first quarter of the season, part of which he missed due to a family member’s passing. Struggles at both ends of the court were apparent, from defensive lapses to missing east baskets. Still, ex-head coach David Fizdale committed to using the third-year man.
However, Mike Miller‘s insertion as the interim coach has changed the point guard outlook, featuring Payton’s return from injury and rise to Knicks prominence.