J.R. Smith has taken over the Linsanity news for one day.
Well, just until Jeremy Lin does something worth going crazy over again Friday night at Madison Square Garden, of course.
It appears that the New York Knicks have signed the former Denver Nuggets guard, who has been spending his days playing basketball in China, after signing with a squad away from the NBA when there was uncertainty surrounding the lockout before the season started.
“New York It Is!” Smith tweeted Friday morning to his 30,000 plus followers, which will probably grow now that he’ll be playing under the bright lights of MSG.
On Thursday, the New York Daily News reported that the Knicks were close to signing Smith, a former teammate of Carmelo Anthony, who is also expected to get back on the NBA hardwood in the coming days.
New York Knicks It Is!
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) February 17, 2012
Yes sir! RT @iamch0pper: @TheRealJRSmith going to the Knicks is that true j.r?
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) February 17, 2012
The News reported that Knicks owner James Dolan met with Smith’s agent, Leon Rose, Wednesday night in an effort to finish up the deal. The report said Smith would receive the Knicks $2.5 million exception.
It appears like the Knicks will have to release someone from the current roster in order to make room for Smith. It’s unclear who that player will be.
The report also said that Dolan, general manager Glen Grunwald and coach Mike D’Antoni met Wednesday night to discuss the roster.
Other teams were interested in Smith’s services because he has shown that he can be a prolific scorer at times. But the 26-year-old swingman has a propensity to get shot-happy at times.
The Knicks sudden surge has given Knicks fans hope that their beloved team, which was down in the dumps before Lin miraculously burst upon the scene, will be a factor when the playoffs comes around.
And apparently the Knicks think bringing in Smith will help them make noise in the playoffs.
