LAS VEGAS — Dennis Smith Jr. is making the most of his visit here.
According to an NBA source, the Knicks point guard has worked out with Rockets superstar Chris Paul while in Las Vegas, getting tips from one of the smartest playmakers in NBA history.
Paul and Smith share a North Carolina connection. Paul hails from Winston Salem, N.C. — which is two hours from Smith’s hometown of Fayettville.
Indications are Paul has helped Smith with becoming a better leader. Paul is staying at the same hotel as the Knicks.
Though Rockets GM Daryl Morey furiously denied it, Paul was reportedly on the trading block and offered to the Knicks, who were not interested.
Oklahoma City is reportedly listening to offers on point guard Russell Westbrook but he is currently not on the Knicks’ radar, according to a person familiar with the situation. The Knicks don’t have the contract flexibility to make a Westbrook trade until Dec. 15 when their six free agents are eligible to be dealt.
They don’t plan on exploring that avenue for now. Things can change if the Knicks are in dire straits but it’s highly doubtful. They want to make it work with their three current point guards, Smith, 21, new signee Elfrid Payton, 25, and Frank Ntilikina, 21.
If they had interest, the Knicks possess a slew of expiring contracts/draft picks that can be peddled on Dec. 15, but Westbrook could be dealt by then. Westbrook has proven to lack a certain leadership ability and Paul George’s defection is a black mark on Westbrook’s résumé.
Smith, meanwhile, said Saturday in Vegas he has worked on changing his shot mechanics with assistant Keith Smart. Smith believes “taking my game to the next level’’ will vault the Knicks into the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season.




