Not because Smith's former coach was Mike Woodson -- that could play a major part, but that's not just all. Although, the Knicks front office could see this year as their only chance to win a championship, and might want to go for it. And they know if they want to beat the Miami Heat in the eastern conference finals, they might have to acquire Smith.
Knicks acquiring Jared Dudley would do very little. Acquiring J.J Redick would just be another deadly three-point shooter, which they already have ton of, and won't help with what the Knicks need.
If I'm the Knicks, I'm not trading Iman Shumpert for more garbage. I'm gonna trade him for something good and that'll help take that next level. Trading Shumpert for a Dudley or a Redick would be a waste. The Knicks wouldn't accomplish anything by doing that. Now...trading Shumpert for Smith...that's a big enhancement.
And if Smith is only in New York for half a season and goes elsewhere in the offseason, then so be it. I'd rather Smith and Anthony for a half season, in the second seed in the eastern conference which give us the best chance of winning a title, than Dudley or Redick.
Now, the Knicks are gonna have to give up more for Smith, than just Shumpert. It would have to be a package of: Shumpert, Amare Stoudemire. Or, Shumpert and a Steve Novak.
Can Smith and Carmelo Anthony Play Together?: Yes, they can. Smith won't be in Anthony's way. He's a player that'll backup Anthony. He'll be Anthony's Scottie Pippen; the little things that the Knicks need behind Carmelo.
Both Anthony and Smith need to realize they need each other to win a championship. Especially Anthony. If Smith came to the Knicks, Anthony is still 'the man' on the team. He'll just have certifiable backup, and someone to compete with Miami and a Oklahoma City Thunder team.
Smith won't be a disturbance, I think. He can look at it from this perpective: he has the luxury to come to New York for -- maybe -- a half season, to a second place team and coming back to play with his old coach. Why wouldn't he be happy with that.
The Knicks have nothing to lose. This year could be their best chance to win a championship. How'd we know next season we'll be this good, again? They need to go for it.
I hate to say this, but can the Knicks, right now, even beat the Chicago Bulls in the second round? Or the Indian Pacers? Or even the Brooklyn Nets if they acquire Josh Smith.
Not saying the Knicks are going to get Smith -- but don't sleep on them in the next 24-hours.
