Knicks Rumors: Jeremy Lin's Emergence Negates Need for J.R. Smith

The New York Knicks no longer need to sign free-agent guard J.R. Smith with the emergence of Jeremy Lin at point guard giving the team new life.

Before Lin's rise to stardom, the Knicks needed more scoring from their guard positions with injuries to Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire hurting the team's offense.

Lin has burst onto the scene and has become a reliable scorer and playmaker, thus the need to spend money on Smith has been negated.

According to ESPN, the Knicks are one of the front runners, along with the Los Angeles Clippers, to sign Smith.

New York can offer more than Los Angeles can, and they are also willing to include the extra security of a player option in the deal. Although the Knicks can give Smith extra money and perhaps an extra year, the Clippers are the best destination for him if he wants to win a championship.

Smith would be a very good offensive player for the Knicks, but he plays little defense, which ultimately is the real reason New York should stay away from the former Denver Nuggets guard.

The Knicks have allowed under 90 points five times during their seven-game winning streak, which is pretty impressive in today's NBA.

The emergence of Lin has given the team new energy and life, and you can see this at both ends of the floor each night.

The Knicks have won seven straight games, all of which have been highlighted by "Linsanity," thanks to Jeremy Lin's spectacular performances against quality teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers.

New York was seven games below .500 in the standings, and missing the playoffs was a real threat at the start of Lin's historic run. Seven victories later, the Knicks are a more complete team and have found new offense at the guard position.

Smith is a good player, but adding someone who scores but plays little defense is not going to make the Knicks any better this season. 

Follow @NicholasGoss35