Knicks Rumors: NY Must Make Push for JR Smith Despite Jeremy Lin's Emergence

Even though Jeremy Lin has dominated the headlines in New York for more than a week now, the Knicks can't stop working to fix other holes on the roster if they want to be considered legitimate contenders.

That's why they must make a strong push to sign J.R. Smith this week.

The Knicks are certainly in the running based on Smith's Twitter page, which lists six possible destinations in his bio, including New York. That jives with a report from Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk, who says the team is a favorite to land him:

"

The Knicks are considered the frontrunner because they can offer him the $2.5 mini mid-level exception plus plenty of minutes as the starting two guard. I’m not sure even Jeremy Lin can distribute the ball enough to keep Carmelo Anthony and Smith thinking they got enough shots, but there certainly is a fit there. And a big stage to be on.

"

Smith is the most coveted free agent on the market as he returns from a stay with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China. Teams around the NBA have struggled with depth issues during the condensed season, so it's no surprise a versatile player like him is generating a lot of interest.

He averaged 12 points and four rebounds while playing in limited minutes for the Denver Nuggets last season, but will be looking for a bigger chance to make an impact with his new team.

Along with a favorable contract, the Knicks can also offer Smith an expanded role. While Landry Fields has been serviceable this season, he hasn't produced enough to stop the team from making a run at a talented addition like Smith would be.

After his stay in China, it shouldn't take long for Smith to get back up to NBA speed. That makes him even more valuable to the Knicks, who are currently making a run thanks to the awe-inspiring play of Lin.

It appears the former Harvard star is no flash in the pan. His game-winning shot in Toronto last night is just the latest example of his strong play pushing the Knicks over the top in a game they likely would have lost two weeks ago.

Smith and Lin taking over a backcourt on a team which already featured a strong frontcourt would make New York a scary team come playoff time.

The most important thing for the Knicks is to continue seeking upgrades even though Lin is masking some other potential issues right now. Teams are going to start defending him more aggressively in the near future, so other players will need to step up.

Smith has proven in the past he can fill that role, making him a perfect fit to boost New York's chances of bringing an NBA title to MSG.