Knicks Rumors: Why NY's Newfound Chemistry Is Strong Enough To Handle J.R. Smith

For those that are worried about J.R. Smith destroying all the goodness of Linsanity, relax, this team will remain unselfish, even with Smith.

Howard Beck of the New York Times laid out all of Smith's alleged transgressions in a recent article about the risk/reward of the Knicks signing this "tempestuous" personality, as he put it:

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Smith’s seven-year N.B.A. résumé reads like a flashing caution sign: suspensions, benchings, clashes with his coach, traffic accidents and an accusation, in 2009, that he was using gang diction on his Twitter account.

He also likes to shoot three-pointers—a lot. In coaching parlance, Smith is known as a chucker, a player who shoots without conscience, awareness of game situations or much regard for his team’s offensive system.

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The main reason is because Jeremy Lin controls the ball predominantly, thereby controlling the flow of the game offensively. When Lin gets Smith the ball, it will be in the position to shoot, because after all, that is what Smith does best.

Smith's shots will come in the flow of the offense, Lin will make sure of that

Knicks fans should look at Smith as John Starks...without the defense. A true three-point gunner capable of shooting his team into a game and out of one. Smith's poor defense won't be frowned upon in this establishment. No one could rightfully do that without first taking Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Lin to task first.

All three of the Knicks' highest profile players are defensively challenged.

Smith's addition certainly makes the Knicks a more dangerous team offensively, but defensively, you can make the argument that the team is weaker. 

Smith has never been known for stellar defensive play and joining an environment where defense isn't paramount should actually make Smith as comfortable as he would have been with any other team. His style is a match in philosophy and the outside shooting was an area of need.

As a team, the Knicks are shooting under 30 percent from deep, worst in the NBA. Smith will help that, and the buckets will outshine the defensive lapses.

Beyond any on-court effect, no matter what Smith does he will not be a dominant personality on this team. The Knicks have an identity, it's all about Linsanity, Melo and Amar'e. Smith is essentially going to be a role player.

In his own best interest, Smith will be on his best behavior. He has an option for next season for $2.5 million, but he hopes to parlay this last 33 games or so into a long-term, more lucrative deal in New York or elsewhere.

If he disturbs chemistry, he hurts his chances of doing that.

The Knicks will win at a much higher rate for the rest of this season, much like the Mike D'Antoni's Suns teams did. Mostly because his system has a PG and Smith will have his hot nights to contribute as well.

Smith will be accepted into this media circus that the Knicks have become and his presence will have little to no effect on team chemistry.