Fansided

Knicks’ Mike Woodson: J.R. Smith ‘will be back in uniform’ Thursday

By Andrew Melnick

Jan 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) takes a shot during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) takes a shot during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) takes a shot during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) takes a shot during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Things have not gone well in New York this season.

The Knicks are just 15-23 and swingman J.R. Smith, an integral part of the Knicks’ success last season, has been benched.

Smith and Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson reportedly had a run-in Monday and then Smith showed up late to a team meeting on Tuesday.

Smith did not play in Tuesday’s 108-98 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Despite all of the problems, Woodson says Smith “would be back in uniform” when the Knicks take on the Indiana Pacers Thursday night.

“There’s nothing that needs to be said. I expect J.R. to be a pro and concentrate on playing basketball. That’s why he’s wearing a Knick uniform,” Woodson said via ESPN New York. “It’s a privilege to play in this league. You got to do all the necessary things on and off the court to be a pro in this league. I don’t think any player should take it for granted. When he’s in uniform his job is to play. When he’s out of uniform his job is to concentrate on being a pro.”

After winning Sixth Man of the Year last season, Smith is having a very poor season, averaging just 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 35.7% from the floor, 34.6% from three and 59.6% from the free throw line.

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