Breaking Down the New York Knicks' Toxic Locker Room

After the New York Knicks fell 103-96 to the Indiana Pacers last night at Madison Square Garden, marking a fourth straight loss and sixth straight at home, J.R. Smith admitted that he is beginning to get a little concerned about his team's underperformance. 

"We're frustrated," Smith told ESPN New York's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Like you say it's too early to panic, but me, personally, I'm panicking. I don't like this."

Smith's comment reflects a lackluster 3-8 start to the season that has been plagued by injuries to key members of New York's roster. However, his sentiment is likely one that has been festering within a Knicks locker room that is abounding with turmoil and instability. Turmoil and instability that Smith has certainly contributed to. 

One of the more interesting stories of the NBA offseason was that the Knicks had invited Smith's younger brother Chris Smith to join their Summer League team. Surprisingly, Chris made the Knicks' opening-night roster. However, he was eventually sent down to the Erie Bayhawks of the D-League. 

The younger brother's demotion came in the wake of a Twitter squabble between J.R. Smith and Brandon Jennings of the Detroit Pistons. After Jennings Tweeted some unkind words about Chris Smith, J.R. stood up for his little brother and threatened Jennings with violence in the process. 

"

Woodson threatens to ban J.R. from twitter after meeting with Smith over new flap with Brandon Jennings http://t.co/m20Ftl63Hr

— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) November 15, 2013"

"

Mike Woodson says he can't put J.R. Smith on Twitter restriction. On behalf of everyone, "thank God."

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) November 16, 2013"

However, a little Twitter beef is the least of the Knicks' worries. 

It could be argued that the Knicks' problems began over the summer when Knicks owner James Dolan replaced Glen Grunwald as general manager. A move that reiterated Dolan's unrealistic expectations for the team. 

Dolan believes the Knicks can win a championship, but his players seem entirely out of sync. 

"

Report: James Dolan expects a championship for the Knicks this year. Was he sitting on Santa's lap when he said that?

— Nate Ravitz (@NateRavitz) October 30, 2013"

Before the season started, Carmelo Anthony trade rumors were abundant. At the conclusion of this season, Anthony will be able to opt out of his contract instead of signing a five-year extension with the Knicks. However, if the season continues the way it has started for the Knicks, 'Melo will surely be inclined to sign elsewhere in search of a potential title. 

"

In the Knicks loss to the Pacers it definitely wasn't @carmeloanthony's fault putting in 30pts and 18rebs, he needs help.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 21, 2013"

If 'Melo checks out early this year, realizing the Knicks' postseason hopes have already been squelched, things could get uglier at the Garden. 

Another Knick with an uncertain future is 23-year-old Iman Shumpert. For almost a year now, Dolan has expressed a desire to trade Shumpert. Dolan was miffed that Shumpert didn't want to play for the Knicks' summer league team. However, Shumpert is one of New York's only young talents. He is a tremendous defender and has improved his offensive contributions. However, his unsteady play this season, shooting just 41 percent from the field, doesn't help his case.

Shumpert does have at least one fan, though. 'Melo has said that he feels Shumpert is vital to the Knicks' success. If trade rumors keep swirling, and the Knicks keep losing, Shumpert and Anthony could begin forming an allegiance. Both players will be fed up with the organization, and be seeking a way out. 

There is one thing that could help bring some much-needed stability to the Knickerbockers: wins. A timely winning-streak would at least halt some of the speculation surrounding the team. Until then, the Knicks will need a find a way to keep from imploding.