Kurt Thomas: J.R. Smith would have behaved with more veterans on New York Knicks

Former New York Knicks big man Kurt Thomas told an Internet radio show this week that J.R. Smith would have never gotten away with his shoelace-untying antics if he and other veterans had still been on the club.

"“I don’t think so, I don’t think that’s something that would happen,” Thomas said. “Especially if you have a veteran guy to pull him to the side, to get in his ear, to let him know the importance of him staying focused on the task at hand and that’s his job to go out there and to perform on the highest level.”"

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Smith was involved in three separate incidents of untying the shoes of opposing players last season, earning a $50,000 fine.

A lack of leadership was often cited last season for the Knicks’ plummet from 54-28 and an Atlantic Division title in 2012-13 to 37-45 and missing the playoffs last season.

In 2012-13, the Knicks had Thomas and other veterans such as Jason Kidd, Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby, but owner James Dolan wanted the club to get younger and none of that quartet was brought back.

"“When you have a bunch of young guys you don’t really see that much looking out for one another so it’s important to have veteran guys,” Thomas said. “… When you have someone like Jason, Rasheed, Marcus … these are great guys that have a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge of the game and are willing to share it.”"

Thomas’ entire interview with Anthony Donahue of The Knicks Blog can be heard here.

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