Knicks guard J.R. Smith took his talents to South Beach and got arrested.
Miami Beach police say Smith was arrested last night on a bench warrant for not having a valid driver’s license. Sgt. Bobby Hernandez told The Post that Smith was recognized on famed Washington Avenue in South Beach. Police originally said that Smith was pulled over while driving a scooter, but after reviewing the arrest report have now said that is not the case.
The warrant stemmed from Smith, 26, being cited last year in Miami for driving a scooter without a valid driver’s license.
Smith was taken to the Miami-Dade County jail and booked under his legal name of Earl Joseph Smith, shortly before midnight and later was released on bond. Smith has had past transgressions with the law, including vehicular manslaughter charges that were dropped.
Smith, who joined the Knicks in February as Sixth Man after playing in China, can opt out of the final year of his contract worth $2.5 million and has until June 26 to do so. Smith was fined $25,000 by the NBA in March for tweeting a partially naked woman in his hotel room in the wee hours.
On April 3 in Indiana, Smith was ejected with 10.7 seconds left for throwing down Leandro Barbosa after throwing away an inbounds pass.
Coach Mike Woodson had a long talk with Smith afterward and admonished him in the media, saying he needed to be “more professional.”
“I told him I’m going to continue to coach him as long as I’m coaching the team,’’ Woodson said in April. “I told him I’m not going to let him off the hook.”
Back then, Woodson even took note of Smith’s fashion style, which often consists of sagging pants.
“I want his shorts pulled up,” Woodson said. I want him to look presentable. Be a professional. That’s what it’s all about.
“On the floor, I expect him to be more professional. I want him to be a pro. That’s my job as a coach. I’ve dealt with so many young players over the years. That’s one thing you got to teach some of them. It’s not just playing on the floor. It’s how you present yourself off the floor as well.’’