Dennis Smith Jr. wows David Fizdale in Knicks' debut

The point guard acquired from the Mavericks in the surprising Kristaps Porzingis blockbuster Thursday hadn't even had a practice with his new team yet, and knew only three plays. He scored eight points, on 3-of-9 shooting, and had six assists in the Knicks' 96-84 loss to the Grizzlies.

And he made an impression on coach David Fizdale.

"The early foul trouble was tough," Fizdale told reporters after the game. "I thought he came out of the gate right away ready to go and looked like he was about to get off to a great start, and then he got the early two fouls.

"I’ll tell you what: He definitely has a gear. A serious speed gear. He sees the floor well. I see a kid that definitely has something to develop."

There were some other bright spots in Smith's debut, including this alley-oop to former Mavericks teammate DeAndre Jordan.

Selected ninth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 assists in 101 games with the Mavericks. But he reportedly struggled to get along with Dallas coach Rick Carlisle.

He's happy to have a new opportunity in New York.

"I’m just thankful to be here," Smith said after Sunday's loss. "I went through the draft process. I came up to New York for a bit and I went out to dinner with [then general manager] Steve Mills and we had a really good time. We built a solid relationship. It was already written. I’m just trying to hit the ground running.

"I feel like this is a big opportunity for me. I just have to make the most of it."