NBA Rumors: Ranking the Likely Destinations for J.R. Smith

Jeremy Lin has solved the point guard problem in New York temporarily. But problems still linger with this New York Knicks roster.

The addition of J.R. Smith could be the volume shooter the Knicks need for a second half run this season.

Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony recently spoke about Smith potentially signing with New York and living in the Big Apple:

"Yeah, I think so, he's one of those type of players," Anthony told a small group of reporters after the Knicks' win over the Nets on Saturday. "If it happens, it happens and I'll be happy."

The shooting guard spot continues to be a mystery alongside their star-studded frontcourt of Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler.

Between rookie Iman Shumpert, and second-year guard Landry Fields, the Knicks guards combine for three years of experience and neither rank in the top 30 in John Hollinger’s PER standings.

In addition, three-point shooting has been a significant area of concern for the Knicks. The team ranks third in the NBA in three-point attempts, but their three-point percentage is at a lowly 25th.

The stats tell the story of a conflict between system and personnel. Coach Mike D’Antoni encourages his team to shoot from long range by any means, but the current roster of Knicks’ shooters cannot execute at a high rate.

Enter J.R. Smith. 

The streaky shooter has shot 37 percent from three-point land for his career and Coach D’Antoni would give him the green light whenever the ball touches his hands. He would see a ton of open looks to bailout Lin-Amar’e pick and rolls and when Carmelo gets double-teamed. 

The Knicks can also offer Smith the largest paycheck of the bunch, with their 2.5 million mini mid-level exception still available.

Even if it’s not all about the Benjamins, the New Jersey native would fit right in playing in New York City.

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NBA Rumors: Ranking the Likely Destinations for J.R. Smith