J.R. Smith: Getting Used To Triangle Offense Will Take Knicks 'A Few Months'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- This is an especially important preseason for the Knicks.
There was plenty of roster turnover in the offseason, first-time head coach Derek Fisher is learning on the fly and the players are working on getting acclimated to Phil Jackson's signature triangle offense.
Feeling comfortable in the new offense might take some time, according to shooting guard J.R. Smith.
Maybe too much time for the fans' liking.
"It's going to take a few months," Smith said. "Over the course of the year, understanding where everybody is going to be. It's going to take a while."
The Knicks, who disappointingly missed the playoffs last season, dropped their preseason opener by 20 to the Celtics on Wednesday night.
"We went out there and started thinking too much instead of just playing," Smith said following the defeat. "We have to trust our instincts a little more and just play. We all know how to get into our offense and just play the right way. It's just a matter of … If they take something away, don't get too anxious or too nervous and turn the ball over. And don't let our offense dictate our defense.
"We got turnovers, put our head down and they kept running the ball down our backs."
Smith was 3-of-8 from the field and scored seven points in just over 19 minutes.
The Knicks' next preseason game, a rematch against Boston, is set for Saturday night.
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