J.R. Smith: Fast Start a Promising Sign for New York Knicks

J.R. Smith's instant adaption to the New York Knicks should have fans dreaming big. The streaky shooting swing man adds instant offense, and dramatically improves what was a weak Knicks' bench. 

After spending the first part of the season balling in China, Smith signed as a free agent with the Knicks on Friday. 

Coach Mike D’Antoni wasted no time working Smith into the mix. Sunday was Smith's first game with his new team, and he played 30 minutes. In those 30 minutes Smith managed to get off 16 shots. He made six of those shots and finished with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. 

That effort helped lead his Knicks to a 104-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Not a bad showing at all for his first game with new teammates. 

Smith made his first appearance as a Knick with 5:43 remaining in the first quarter. It took him just over a minute to show Knicks fans the kind of impact he is capable of making with this three pointer. 

Smith's role will continue to evolve with this team. Carmelo Anthony will soon be returning. But his return certainly won't push Smith out of the picture, as Smith can play both shooting guard and small forward, and his primary home with the Knicks is likely to be at shooting guard.  

In fact, Smith may eventually end up taking the starting shooting guard spot from Landry Fields. In this game, he played three more minutes than Fields. 

No matter if he ends up as a starter or a bench player, Smith is going to fill a big void for New York with his outside shooting. 

Smith is a career 37.1 percent shooter from three point range, and last season he fired an even 39 percent from distance. 

The Knicks entered this game ranked 29th in three point percentage at 29.9 percent. 

This acquisition is going to make the Knicks a much more complete and dangerous team. They now have more depth and outside shooting, and those were their two biggest weaknesses.