Knicks Rumors: Jeremy Lin and Baron Davis Good Enough to Keep JR Smith Out of NY

Sometimes the best move is no move and that’s the approach the New York Knicks need to take with J.R. Smith.

The free agent-to-be is on the Knicks' radar according to the New York Post, which makes sense considering Smith and star forward Carmelo Anthony were good friends in Denver. He has hit 37 percent of his threes in a seven-year career, but that’s the only aspect of his game that stands out.

Smith is a strong athlete, but he doesn’t exert the kind of effort needed to be a strong defensive player. He has struggled with attitude problems at times and can turn into a ball hog at times. Is a decent three-point shooter worth the baggage on a team with terrible output from their guards?

The awful guard play at the beginning of the season has been magically erased with the rapid emergence of Jeremy Lin. The second-year sensation is averaging 26.8 points and eight assists during the unbelievable five-game win streak and has shown no signs of slowing down. Remember, he is doing this with Steve Novak, Bill Walker and Jared Jefferies. Once Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony return, Lin will notch 10 assists in his sleep.

His first step and high basketball IQ suggest he has staying power, but even if Linsanity slows down, there is another backup plan.

Baron Davis has resumed workouts again according to MSG.com and will likely be back around the All-Star break in two weeks. While the jury is still out on how long it will take for the former All-Star to get back into playing shape, he will eventually be a strong asset.

How about a lineup with both Lin and Davis on the floor? That would be highly intriguing.

Smith isn’t needed on this roster. He is another headache that coach Mike D’Antoni doesn’t need right now. He already has one ball hog and another star that is desperate for more touches. He now has guards that can make it happen.

Lin has rejuvenated the franchise and did so without the Knicks having to spend $2.5 million on him. The Knicks can offer Smith more than any other team, but need to keep the check in their wallet.

Smith is not necessary.