By Anthony Riccobono | February 17, 2012 11:39 PM IST
J.R. Smith: A Good Fit for the Knicks?
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J.R. Smith: A Good Fit for the Knicks?
"New York Knicks It Is!"

That's what basketball player J.R. Smith tweeted Friday morning, indicating his intention to sign with the Knicks.
The former Nugget has spent this season playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China. Smith signed to play with the club during the NBA lockout, and was contractually obligated to finish out the season with his new team.
Now, the Bulls season is over, and Smith is ready to play ball in the United States.
The Knicks beat out the Clippers, who were the other favorite to land Smith. He will reportedly make 2.5 million dollars for the rest of the season.
Smith joins the Knicks at the height of "Linsanity." They're playing better than any team in the league, winning their last seven games.
With the Knicks playing their best ball of the season, is Smith a good fit for New York?
Why it makes sense
Even though Jeremy Lin has cured most of the Knicks offensive woes, the second unit is still struggling to score. The move gives the Knicks a legitimate scoring option off the bench.
When the Knicks starters are on the bench, they don't have many players who can create their own offense. Smith gives New York someone who has a chance to get hot and have a big game every night.
Smith has played most of his career off the bench, even in China where he was the best player on his team.
Steve Novak has been great for the Knicks over the past couple of weeks, but that probably won't last. He's in his sixth NBA season and has averaged just over four points per game throughout his career.
Smith gives the Knicks another legitimate option to hit three pointers. For his career, Smith is a 37 percent shooter from downtown.
He brings New York some much needed help. They are 26th in the league at 30.3 percent shooting from behind the arc.
Two weeks ago, the Knicks had very little depth. Now, they are one of the deepest teams in the NBA.
Why it won't work
There has been so much talk about whether or not Carmelo Anthony is a good fit to play with Jeremy Lin. Those same questions should be asked about Smith.
Throughout his career, Smith has been known as a talented player who takes too many shots. The last thing the Knicks need right now is a guy who might stop their ball movement on offense.
Even as a bench player, Smith has never quite been able to play within the team concept on offense.
Smith averaged 34.4 points per game this year in China, while playing the majority of the game. He won't come close to those numbers with the Knicks.
The guard will have to prove he's willing to sacrifice his minutes and statistics to do what is best for the team. That is not something Smith has had a reputation of doing. He has a reputation for being a very selfish player.
Smith is playing for a new contract next season and reportedly has had some financial issues. Putting aside his stats to help the team win might not be as easy as some people think.
Only time will tell how Smith will mesh with his new team. This new-look Knicks team will be gaining two big pieces as Anthony returns from his injury and Smith joins the club.
The additions will either give the Knicks a legitimate shot to make a title run, or help destroy what "Linsanity" has built.
Either way, it should be very interesting to watch.
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