The New York Knicks are aware that JR Smith is a key member of the team. Whether he is named a starter or continues dominating as the sixth man, the team needs him. However, off-the-court issues have hindered his ability to be relied on, something that needs to change. As the season prepares to begin, star Carmelo Anthony has already had a heart-to-heart with his longtime teammate about stepping up.
Anthony's words to Smith were simple, "The time is now." Anthony noted that everybody on the team wants to help Smith get past some reoccurring issues, but he must want to help himself first and foremost. Smith has been handed a few suspensions in his time, most recently in September for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was suspended for the first five games of the season that he is able to play. Smith is also recovering from offseason knee surgery that could delay his return ever longer.
"We've been looking forward to him coming back all offseason," Anthony said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "I'm pretty sure he's been looking forward to coming back. We're looking forward to it. We wish the suspension didn't happen but it happened and we move forward from that. He had a long offseason, thinking about what's been going on, trying to get back. Hopefully he turns over that new leaf."
Smith was a star for the Knicks in 2012, earning Sixth Man of the Year honors. While he dropped off in the playoffs, the team needs his 18.1 points per game and 5.3 rebounds to get to the postseason. Smith was a different player in the Eastern Conference playoffs. He made just 33 percent of his field goals, while also getting suspended for elbowing Jason Terry.
Head coach Mike Woodson has not finalized the starting lineup yet for the Knicks and he is challenging Smith to step up and prove that he can be a reliable member of the team. First, Woodson believes that starts with growing up.
"He's got to do the right thing by J.R., and his teammates and me as a coach in this organization and the fans that support him. That's what it's all about," Woodson said.