J.R. Smith on the Knicks' chances of winning the Eastern Conference: 'extremely' realistic
Welp.
New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith appeared on ESPN First Take on Wednesday, and was asked about the chances of his team winning the Eastern Conference next season. His answer?
JR also says its "extremely" realistic that the Knicks win the Eastern Conference. OK bye.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) July 16, 2014
Yup.
As a reminder, the Knicks missed the playoffs last season, finishing with just 37 wins despite playing in a historically weak Eastern Conference. This offseason, the team traded away two starters in Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler, and their only significant addition has come in the form of Jose Calderon.
Meanwhile, most playoff teams in the Eastern Conference opted to reload, with the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets adding significant pieces. Even teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who missed the playoffs last season, added pieces, including the league's king-piece in LeBron James. Adding number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins wasn't too shabby either.
But anything is possible, and although the Knicks' chances of winning the conference is more slim than it is "realistic", Smith's confidence is still positive in its own right.
He even showed a bit of self-awareness, admitting that his performance from last season was sub-par.
J.R. Smith, on First Take, says he wouldnt blame Phil Jackson and the Knicks for trading him after how he behaved/played last year.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) July 16, 2014
The New York Knicks. Never a dull moment.