NBA Rumors: Why New York Knicks Should Sign J.R. Smith

Linsanity this, Linsanity that, but it's time to look at the bigger picture for the New York Knicks.

With Amar'e Stoudemire's return earlier in the week and Carmelo Anthony's return looming, N.Y. has been playing like the contenders they were considered at the beginning of the season.

The Knicks are a better defensive team than many people give them credit for, thanks to the signing of Tyson Chandler to protect the paint and Shumpert's underrated perimeter defense.

A lot of other good things are getting lost in this Linsane turn of events, but the truth of the matter is that they are looking like a good team ready to compete in the playoffs.

Although Shumpert has been playing a lot at the 2 along with Landry Fields, New York could still use an upgrade at the shooting guard position

As far as point guards go they are set with Tony Douglas, Baron Davis, Shumpert and Lin. When the bench gets shallow in the playoffs it should be interesting who is playing at the end of games for the Knicks.

Nevertheless, J.R. Smith would be the perfect fit for the Big Apple. Of course, there are those who argue that there will not be enough ball to go around between Amar'e, Melo and now the ball-dominating point guard in Jeremy Lin.

I disagree.

It is no secret that Smith wants to play for a contender and the Knicks are well on their way. He is an underrated defensive player whose athleticism makes up for the few mistakes he makes on that end.

He may not exactly be what you would call a "proven winner," but he is an experienced player who can knock down open shots with the best of them.

Adding even more depth to an already deep Knicks roster would just bolster their chances going forward.

Smith has a big personality fit for the big city, but I believe he would have no problem keeping it in check playing along great players and talent in New York.

Whether he came off the bench or started for the Knicks, he would have an immediate impact on the team. N.Y.'s front office should be doing everything in their power to obtain Smith because it will not only help them better their standings, but also result in a better match up when they run into teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat in the playoffs.

Lin is on a nice run for the Knicks, but what do you do when he runs out of juice? Smith gives you another player on the wing able to create his own shot and this could help the Knick's second unit more than anything.

There is no reason the Knicks should not sign Smith and there is no reason Smith should turn them down.