Dennis Smith Jr. is a name that Detroit Pistons fans likely haven't thought about in some time. The former NC State product was traded from the New York Knicks to the Pistons as part of the Derrick Rose trade in 2021; however, Smith only played 20 games in Motor City before leaving as a free agent that summer.
After lukewarm runs with three other NBA teams, Smith did what a lot of players do by heading overseas to rejuvenate his career, spending 2024-25 with Real Madrid. The 27-year-old's international journey could be over after one season, though, because Smith has landed a workout with the Knicks, according to the New York Post's Stefan Bondy.
Ex-Piston Dennis Smith Jr. Lands Workout with Knicks
New York is putting the final touches on its 2025-26 roster before the preseason begins next month, which is why the front office is gauging whether Smith can provide the backcourt a boost. The Knicks also signed center Alex Len to a training camp contract on Tuesday, further highlighting the team's quest for help across the board.
If Smith is to make a successful NBA comeback, it makes sense that New York is interested. The Knicks acquired the former No. 9 overall pick in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks nearly seven years ago, leading to Smith appearing in 58 games, including 21 starts, for the Knicks.
A return to a familiar landing spot could motivate Smith to turn things around, especially after his time in Europe didn't exactly dazzle people. The Fayetteville, NC native averaged 2.8 points while shooting 30.8% from the floor and 16.7% from deep in four games with Real Madrid, making it clear that he has to earn a training camp invite with a strong workout only to continue to have the chance to convince the Knicks that he deserves a contract.
Smith has a reputation for being a streaky player, and it'll be interesting to see which version of him shows up in New York for this workout. His career has been trending downwards after he exited the Motor City, and failing to capitalize on the potential for a fresh start with the Knicks could spell the end of his NBA career for good.
The Pistons don't play the Knicks until Monday, Jan. 5, meaning it will be a while until Detroit fans get to see Smith again, if he cracks New York's roster. Still, it'll be interesting to see in the meantime if anything he learned in Europe will help him find the NBA success that he's craving.