J.R. Smith balked at first during training camp, wanting to finally be an NBA starter. But it couldn’t have worked out any better for him as Monday he will be named the Sixth Man of the Year in an NBA announcement set for later.
Smith beat out former Knicks guard Jamal Crawford of the Clippers.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson remembered the preseason when Smith was disappointed he wouldn’t start.
“I just thought for our team we needed to establish guys coming off the bench to make plays,’’ Woodson said. “It’s not a matter of who starts but who finishes the game. He bought in. He didn’t like it at first but he accepted his role and walks away with the Sixth Man Award.”
“I gave him a big hug and told him things have a way of working out,’’ Woodson added. “They do.’’
Smith said he got over the decision quickly.
“I pretty much accepted it right away. I’ve been known as a selfish player for so long. I wanted to show my teammates I’m not,’’ Smith said.
He added, “(Woodson) always told me it’s not who starts. It’s who finishes the game and 99percent of the time I’m finishing.’’
Woodson, himself a Coach of the Year candidate because of the way he handled the enigmatic Smith, who has a renegade image. But earlier this season, Smith admitted he got caught up in the New York nightlife last season and had cleaned up his act, in his ninth season.
“I’m so proud of him,” Tyson Chandler said. “He dedicated himself this year and it’s paying off for him. He’s really focused and locked in this year. He’s more focused on his craft. He’s a professional this year. Something clicked.’’
Smith sizzled as the second scoring option to Carmelo Anthony averaging 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds a game.
“Great honor, man. Big honor. I’m honored to be a part of it. To have him alongside me as my wingman. We all know what type of player he’s been this whole season. the work he’s put in this season,” Anthony said.
The shooting guard gained control of the award with a huge March and April after adding a driving element to his scoring arsenal after being encouraged by Woodson.
“If you’re going to be a scorer in this league, you got to mix it up,’’ Woodson said Monday in preparation for Game 2 vs. the Celtics on Tuesday. “If you don’t use the free-throw line in this league as your friend, it’s going to be a struggle. He went through a phase where he was just shooting jump shots and jump shots and finally a green light went off and started taking the ball to the bucket and saw he could get there and finish.’’
Smith can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer, which he is expected to do.