It wasn't long ago that the New York Knicks were viewed as one of the NBA's biggest disappointments this season. A few weeks and a Jeremy Lin explosion later, the Knicks are back in the playoff picture and look to be building a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks made even more waves on Friday, as former Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith announced that he would be joining Lin in New york.
"New York Knicks It Is!" Smith posted to his personal twitter account on Friday morning.
Smith, who was playing in China for the past few months due to the NBA lockout, last played for the Nuggets in 2011 when he averaged 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and shot better than 39-percent from 3-point land in 79 games.
The 26-year-old Smith became eligible to sign with an NBA team on Wednesday, due to restrictions with his contract in China, and had narrowed down his choices to the Clippers, Lakers, Magic, Bulls, Pacers and Knicks. It looks like the appeal of playing in the big apple won out in the end.
It appears the Knicks have also released little used guard, Renaldo Balkman, to clear room for Smith's arrival.
Smith should be a good fit for the Knicks, as long as his attitude doesn't get the best of him. He is a sensational shooter and can score almost at-will.
During seven NBA seasons, Smith has been best known as a 3-point shooter and a guy who can spark instant offense off the bench. Both qualities will be very valuable for a Knicks team, who is desperately seeking to add depth and improve their bench production.
