The New York Knicks are receiving so much fanfare this offseason especially with the entry of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah from the Chicago Bulls into the Kristaps Porzingis roster. With the former Jimmy Butler squad stars in the Carmelo Anthony team, fans are expecting an explosive season for the group. However, it looks like Phil Jackson is not yet done with his surprises as a Josh Smith contract is said to be on its way just weeks before the regular season officially heats up.
The former Houston Rockets star has been the subject of a lot of NBA trade rumors in the offseason. With his bumpy journey in the league, Josh Smith had played with teams rebuilding their roster including the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Clippers. As training camps come to an end, though, it looks like the 30-year-old power forward would be opening the season with the New York Knicks soon.
Rumors are rife that Phil Jackson is mulling over giving a Josh Smith contract a chance this season. With the addition of Chicago Bulls stars Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose, fans feel that the New York Knicks might be building a lineup centered on redemption. With these veterans in the locker room, can Josh Smith finally redeem himself in the league?
"I'm not a guy that is oblivious to my surroundings, I know that changes need to be made," said Josh Smith of his NBA career. He added, "It's something that I have done wrong to now be figuring out my next move and figuring out what I need to do to be better."
While a Josh Smith contract in the NBA is predicted to not be a realistic option this season, the former Houston Rockets star is confident that he still has "a lot left to give to this game." While others believe that his attitude on and off the hardwood court could be problematic, some feel that he might just fit perfectly with the New York Knicks. Under the leadership of Rio Olympics basketball champion Carmelo Anthony, a Josh Smith contract could make sense for the Derrick Rose team.
"I'm not a guy who feels like I have to start or play 30 minutes a night anymore. I wish for an opportunity to be able to contribute, to be a positive guy around the locker room. It has been missing from me. I'm not doubting it. I felt I have always showed support for my teammates, cheering for them, but I have to do a better job," he further noted. "I feel I have something to give the NBA, period."
At this point, though, the New York Knicks are focused on building the chemistry of Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony. During their reign in the Chicago Bulls, the combination of the Frenchman and the favorite son of Chicago had been explosive to say the least. With Carmelo Anthony holding them together and Kristaps Porzingis looking for experience and guidance from veterans, supporters of the team believe that the New York Knicks got a good deal this offseason.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if a Josh Smith contract will materialize with the New York Knicks this season. Apart from the Kristaps Porzingis squad, other NBA teams reportedly interested in the former Houston Rockets star include the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.
