J.R. Smith?s biggest adjustment to the overhauled New York Knicks philosophy this offseason hasn?t been Phil Jackson?s implementation of the Triangle offense. It?s been first-year head coach Derek Fisher?s team-first mantra.
After years in the NBA as being a team?s streaky and high volume shooter, Smith admits that he?s finding trouble under a team-first mentality. Even more so than Jackson?s Triangle offense.
?Trying to think about the rest of the team over myself or my scoring is something that I never really had to do before,? Smith continued. ?I?ve always been in a situation to score, [now I'm] in position to take my time and let the game come and let my teammates succeed more than myself, I think that?s the ultimate win.?
?J.R. Smith is easily the best athlete on the team,? Jackson said. ?But J.R. has to learn the difference between a good shot and a bad shot. He has to trust that the triangle will create good shots and to avoid searching for his own shot.
?His defense also needs work because he tends to be a ball-watcher, and he?s late in chasing his man around screens when he should be tailgating him,? Jackson added. ?Defense is the key to any winning team, so Smith has to really work hard on his deficiencies in training camp.?
