When Phil Jackson was hired as the team president of the New York Knicks, it was assumed right away that he would insert the triangle offense. Hiring Derek Fisher only furthered that effort after he excelled in the plan during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks have been working hard to try and figure out the new offensive game plan and while some players are picking it up, others are struggling.
JR Smith admits that he is having a very hard time adjusting to the triangle offense. The shooting guard has been trying to adjust from being a Sixth Man to potential starter while learning the core techniques of the offense and things are a struggle for him.
"Yeah, absolutely," Smith said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "I mean, believe it or not, being the type of player I've been, it's a struggle. I'm not going to lie. Trying to think about the rest of the team over myself or my scoring is something that I never really had to do before. I've always been in a situation to score, [now I'm] in position to take my time and let the game come and let my teammates succeed more than myself, I think that's the ultimate win."
Smith's struggle were highlighted in the preseason matchup to the Washington Wizards when he scored just five points in 23 minutes on the court. Smith is currently averaging 8.5 points while shooting just 39 percent overall. He and Fisher are working together to try and understand what the guard's role is going to be going forward as Smith remains positive that everything will start working with time.
"He just told me -- look at the rings they have," Smith said. "It's worked. I want one so bad, I'll do whatever it takes. If it takes me sacrificing my scoring, that's what it takes."
Smith's struggles could open the door for other players to get playing time. Jackson recently spoke out about his love for Iman Shumpert and what he could bring to the court for the Knicks. If Smith cannot get a handle on the triangle offense in time, Shumpert might be the starting shooting guard while the others come off the bench. Fisher confirmed that there was an ongoing competition between Shumpert, Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr and the player that looks the best will get the nod.
