Mike D’Antoni acknowledged the Knicks’ need for another shooter and indicated the club would be aggressive in looking at free agent guard J.R. Smith.
Smith, a former Nuggets player, will be eligible to play in the NBA once FIBA clears him following his Chinese Basketball Association playoff run. He’s on the Knicks’ radar and the feeling appears to be mutual — unless the club is getting used again.
Smith tweeted on Friday, “New York City is where it’s at!’’
However, Smith’s father said this week his son is looking for more than the Knicks room exception of $2.5 million. He scored 60 points in a playoff game in China earlier this week, though Smith has a spotty reputation character-wise.
“I know [interim general manager] Glen [Grunwald] every day will canvas the league and talk and try to make the team better,’’ D’Antoni said before the Knicks’ 99-92 victory over the Nets last night. “Whether it’s D-League, free agency, trades. Whatever make sense and helps the team we’ll do. We have to be very aggressive. We know the areas we need help.’’
The Knicks need an offensive boost and appear to be losing hope with injured point guard Baron Davis, whose debut is murkier than ever. Jeremy Lin, whose contract is not guaranteed, figured to be the player cut if the Knicks signed a player, but his recent emergence, including last night’s 25-point gem, makes that impossible.
Mike Bibby, who has fallen out of the rotation, probably would be axed.
Smith could be an explosive shooter, but doesn’t help their playmaking needs. The Knicks had more interest in Smith than Kenyon Martin. Smith would be a bonus to a roster aching for perimeter scorers. Smith reportedly has five teams he’s mulling — the Knicks, Clippers, Lakers, Thunder and Bulls.