Knicks Rumors: Signing J.R. Smith Would Impede Jeremy Lin's Progress

The New York Knicks are in the middle of a midseason revival and don't need JR Smith to come in and mess everything up.

Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting that the Knicks are interested in signing Smith to the mid-level exception once his team in China finishes their season. Smith even tweeted his interest in playing with old teammate Carmelo Anthony.

I’m sure 'Melo feels the same way.

You know who probably doesn't share this sentiment? The hottest player in the NBA—Jeremy Lin.

Linsanity has taken over the Big Apple, and his 26.5 points and 7.5 assists over the last two games have given the Knicks their first winning streak of the season. His ability to run the offense and keep the ball moving is the exact opposite of what Smith brings to the table.

Like his good buddy 'Melo, when JR Swish gets the ball, there is a great chance he is chucking it toward the rim. I think he led the league in the length away from the three-point line on an average attempt last season.

Lin is cultivating an environment where everyone is pass-first to find the open man. Smith would take that idea and stomp on it like his sister did to somebody in the stands of a game in China. The development of Lin has suddenly turned into the No. 1 priority in a season that is slipping away.

One-on-one play with four guys standing around is not the recipe for success, and you'd think the massive struggles before Lin would be all of the proof they need.

I haven't even gotten into the attitude issues of Smith that drove Denver Nuggets coach George Karl crazy for all those years.

So, here's a plea for Knicks ownership to not get blinded by Smith's ability to hit a three-point shot; let your stars heel and allow Lin to keep shocking everyone.

Sometimes not making the move is the right move.