Davis, Smith could play for Knicks Sunday
Baron Davis looks on during an NBA game. (April 13, 2011) Credit: AP
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Carmelo Anthony will be in a suit again Sunday, but the Knicks could have a couple of guys in uniform for the first time, and maybe even in the game.
It's probably a long shot, but Baron Davis and newly signed J.R. Smith could be available when the Knicks host the Mavericks Sunday afternoon.
Mike D'Antoni said they might not play until Monday night, which is when he hopes Anthony will return from his groin injury. But within a few days, the Knicks could have a roster loaded with talent and depth.
"This could be a special team," Tyson Chandler said. "I was looking at the lineups and we're two deep now at every position. That's what makes teams special. That's what made us special last year with the Mavericks. When you have guys that come in and there's not a drop-off, it makes it difficult for teams. You come at them in waves. That's what we have to understand, and we have to play into that."
So much has changed in the two weeks in which Jeremy Lin has rescued the Knicks. They have gone from a team weak in the backcourt and lacking depth to one that could have a strong guard rotation and solid bench.
D'Antoni said he expects Lin to remain the starting point guard. But if Davis, a two-time All-Star, returns to his old form, D'Antoni could have a difficult decision. "Baron, we know how good he can be," he said. "If he's that good, then it will be tough. I think they're both comfortable with whatever happens. You just have to pray for the best. The luxury is having two really good point guards."
Davis, who hasn't played since April, is returning from a herniated disc. He said he hopes to make his Knicks debut Sunday and expects to play before next weekend's All-Star break. The Knicks host the Nets on Monday and Atlanta on Wednesday and are in Miami on Thursday.
"I am expecting to do that," Davis said. "Just to get out there and see where I am, see what I need to work on, see what's bothering me and things I need to correct. We've got four more games before the All-Star break, so it'll be a good chance for me to get some minutes somewhere along the way."
Smith, whom the Knicks signed Friday, flew in Saturday night. D'Antoni said the coaches will talk with him before Sunday's game to start teaching him the offense. But Smith knows how to score, and his shooting will be welcomed by the Knicks. They're next-to-last in three-point shooting (29.9 percent) and were 4-for-24 in Friday's loss to New Orleans. In the past five seasons, Smith has averaged 155 threes.
D'Antoni said he wasn't sure if Smith will play Sunday. Then he was told that Smith tweeted that his first game as a Knick will be Sunday. "OK, then he's playing," D'Antoni said. "That's fine with me. Whatever. I'll introduce myself before he plays."
D'Antoni will have to mesh all of these players -- with very little practice time -- find minutes for everyone and keep them happy with their roles.
Anthony, Davis and Smith are known for being high-volume shooters. Amar'e Stoudemire has to remain a focal point. Iman Shumpert, Jared Jeffries and Steve Novak all could see their playing time reduced when the Knicks are at full strength, although D'Antoni likes Shumpert's all-around game and Jeffries' defense.
"The biggest thing is who plays well is going to play and who plays really well is going to play a lot," D'Antoni said.
The Knicks should get another rotation player back soon. Rookie Josh Harrellson, who had surgery to repair a fractured right wrist, could return to practice after the break, adding to the Knicks' sudden depth.
"We can be very good," Stoudemire said. "We just have to make sure we're all on the same page, we know our roles, know what type of team we are and get better as the season goes along."
