New York Knicks’ JR Smith says comparison to Dennis Rodman is honor

Last week Phil Jackson, president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks, sat down for a candid interview which touched on a variety of subjects including the re-signing on Carmelo Anthony and potential playoff expectations.

More from NBA

• NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
• NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
• NBA insider explains real reason the Grizzlies were done with Dillon Brooks
• Knicks projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
• Rockets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season

Also talked about was guard J.R. Smith who Jackson compared to Dennis Rodman. Of course, the comparison wasn’t in regards to Rodman’s work ethic or tireless effort on the court but rather an inability to get through to the player who has achieved a knucklehead reputation.

Staying true to form, J.R. Smith to Jackson’s slight as a compliment and suggested being compared to Dennis Rodman is an honor.

“I’m not offended by that. It’s an honor. He’s a Hall of Famer. And to be put in the same words as a Hall of Famer is something special. So I’m not offended at all.”

Clearly Phil Jackson’s comment went straight over the head of J.R. Smith which oddly makes the situation that much more amusing.

A master motivator, Phil Jackson was obviously attempting some of his famed Jedi mind tricks on Smith though they apparently backfired as now the New York Knicks shooting guard thinks he was being complimented. Only J.R. Smith, right?

While Jackson seems to have the Knicks on the right path, he might have met his biggest challenge in J.R. Smith who turns an insult into a compliment. Impressive, J.R., impressive.

More on FanSided.com

Avery Bradley not an option at point guard
Blake Griffin working on three-point shot
Carmelo Anthony asked Derek Jeter for advice
Kobe Bryant trolls Nick Young over Iggy Azalea
Kobe Bryant wanted to retire with Pau Gasol