J.R. Smith: 'Knicks It Is!'; Balkman The Odd Man Out?
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- It appears J.R. Smith is the newest member of the Knicks' boosted backcourt.
The free agent guard posted via Twitter Friday morning: "New York Knicks It Is!"
Smith recently returned from a stint in China, where had been playing since the lockout without an NBA opt-out clause. The 26-year-old averaged 12.5 points per game on 42.8 percent shooting over seven seasons with New Orleans and Denver.
The Knicks now need to free up a roster spot. According to the Post, Renaldo Balkman is "expected" to be the odd man out.
"New york was great love da big apple #imout," Balkman tweeted just before noon Friday.
Unbelievably, the New York Daily News reported Thursday that Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin "would have been the most likely candidate" to be released had he not been given a chance to ignite the team nearly two weeks ago.
The Knicks have won seven games in a row behind Lin since Feb. 4.
The Post also reported Smith will make his Knicks debut against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
A first-round draft pick in 2004, Smith would likely receive the team's $2.5 million cap exception.
Great move by the Knicks -- or are they tinkering too much with their newfound chemistry? Sound off below!
