Chris Smith secured a coveted spot on the New York Knicks 15-man roster. If that wasn’t controversial enough, Smith says he earned the spot.
It’s been speculated and assumed that Chris made the squad because it was one of J.R Smith’s stipulations before he signed a contract extension with the Knicks. Chris however says that is untrue and it angers him that people would believe that. He says he “earned” his spot on the team.
From Al Innazzone of Newsday:
He [Chris Smith] said he’s being harassed on Twitter. “I can’t even have a social media because people are coming at me because they think my situation is something different,” Chris Smith said. “I feel like I earned my position on the team and I’m going to keep on earning my way here.” …
Earlier this week, when Mike Woodson was asked if Chris’ relationship to J.R. would affect the younger Smith’s status, he said, “Sure it does.”
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports didn’t hold back at all when he gave his opinion on the matter.
Chris Smith made Knicks when his brother, J.R., signed his extension. That’s the business, but he should spare everyone how he “earned” it.
Nevertheless, there are family members on payrolls everywhere in the NBA. Some earned it; some didn’t. Still, roster spots are precious.
Smith’s $490,000 contract will be fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster by opening night. My guess is he’ll be seeing plenty of time in the D-League. Also if you want some perspective on the matter, the Warriors cut Stephen Curry’s little brother Seth and he definitely had a better collegiate career and more potential than Chris, just saying…
