With NBA free agency calming down, there are still a handful of players left on the market that could be a huge upgrade for teams next season. Josh Smith highlights that list as he sits hoping teams saw his level of production during his short stint with the Houston Rockets. At the moment it does not appear that the Rockets are bringing Smith back leaving the forward available and the New York Knicks could potentially be a landing spot.
According to Fansided.com, Smith would be a solid fit for the Knicks if he is willing to accept a smaller contract. The small forward would be a nice compliment to Carmelo Anthony, but the triangle offense could be the wrong system for him to function in. The Knicks would be wise to add more scoring power even after the addition of Arron Afflalo. Smith would help with that if Phil Jackson focuses on the progress he showed in the NBA playoffs. Right now, interest in Smith is uncertain as the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings are the only two teams emerging as potential contenders for the star.
The Knicks are still toying with potential upgrades to the roster after missing out on most of their intended targets. With just one true center on the roster in Robin Lopez, the Knicks could look to add one more big man. Jordan Hill would be an option considering the Knicks are familiar with his talents. Hill would be a cheap contract to take on with the potential of being a high-reward type of player. Enes Kanter or JaVale McGee could also be options if the Knicks were able to afford them.
The team did get some good news regarding Kristaps Porzingis in terms of his health. According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Porzingis is expected to play in summer league basketball despite the reports of injury surround him. The power forward was reportedly dealing with hip tightness, but now he will be playing alongside Jerian Grant, Langston Galloway, Cleanthony Early, Ricky Ledo and Travis Wear. There is some doubt as to whether or not Ledo and Wear will make the final roster, while Galloway is expected to return and potentially start for the Knicks.
