Is It Time for J.R. Smith to Start Regularly for New York Knicks?

COMMENTARY | The New York Knicks dug themselves into a hole right from the onset of this 2013-14 season and have been trying to claw out ever since.

A considerable portion of the frustration stems from what the Knicks were last year. A run-and-gun team that could put 100+ points on the board seemingly without blinking an eye. They were the kind of team that had a superstar, but needn't rely on him wholly to deliver every single night due to an abundance of offensive weapons.

Last year's Knicks could compete with any team in the NBA for 48 minutes and played a season worthy of 54 wins and a division title.

There are truly a myriad of problems with the 2013-14 Knicks, but some deserve more emphasis than others. One thing that has plagued New York over and over is the lack of secondary scoring behind Carmelo Anthony. We saw last year's Knicks with a well-rounded offense that could have anybody scoring big on any particular night. It's safe to say this team isn't that one, and New York is in dire need of the offensive rejuvenation this group once had.

Cue J.R. Smith, who's been a bright spot in recent games, most notably on the offensive end. Mike Woodson needs to insert Smith into the regular starting lineup for the Knicks.

We know Smith has let the Knicks and their fans down for most of the season. He hasn't been the same guy that averaged 18.1 points per game as weapon for a potent offense. After winning NBA Sixth Man last year, he signed a new contract but began the season suspended for a failed drug test. Once he returned, he spent time untying shoelaces and wasn't at all the player that helped the Knicks to the No. 2 seed in the conference.

Not to mention the secret offseason knee surgery that could have contributed to Smith's inability to contribute with any consistency. Suffice it to say that J.R. went from one end of the love/hate spectrum to the other in a rather short amount of time.

With that said, Smith seems to have finally found the rhythm that's eluded him for most of the season. Over his last six games, he's shooting 56% from three-point range and 51% overall while averaging 17.6 points per game. Smith has always been known as a streaky player -- one that shoots himself into and out of a rhythm.

Right now, the 28-year old New Jersey native is hitting his shot and has clearly been the most productive Knick beside Anthony of late. Even attacking the paint has been a part of Smith's repertoire, something New York severely needs to create floor space. Woodson has to ride the hot hand in an attempt to turn around the Knicks' habit of starting games in an offensive slumber.

The current three-guard setup that features Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni doesn't provide enough offense for the Knicks. The third guard is Iman Shumpert at the small forward spot, but he's failed to display a complete offensive game for most of the season. With the exception of Anthony, there is very little penetration and too much settling for outside jump shots. Beyond his 27.3 points per game, there hasn't been much to count on for consistent scoring. Three out of the five starters (Prigioni, Shumpert, and Chandler) have no offensive pedigree to speak of this season whatsoever and a change is needed.

Understandably, Woodson most likely wants to keep Shumpert's defense on the floor. In addition, there is a hope within the organization and its fan base that Iman will be able to develop the offensive game we've been waiting for. So J.R. can slip into the shooting-guard role, while Shumpert stays at the three spot and either Felton or Prigioni sits down to begin the game. One would tend to think Raymond Felton, considering his porous defense and inconsistent offense should get less minutes while Prigioni can play distributor amongst Smith, Shumpert and Anthony. Even if Woodson doesn't agree, Smith needs to step in for Pablo then.

Watching the games, Smith is even sharing the ball and working at the other end of the floor at an increasing rate considering his reputation for caring about nothing but shooting. He was a catalyst during the Knicks' four-game win streak and will likely be a large part of any other streak they can put together. He's already getting paid, so why not use him?

As long as Smith is of no detriment to the team and contributing on the floor, he needs to receive starter minutes. Also, Tim Hardaway Jr. could even take minutes from the starting guards in a time of offensive need. The rookie out of Michigan has gobs of scoring ability that's best developed with playing time.

For most of the season, if Melo isn't scoring in huge volumes, the Knicks automatically lose. It's a trend that desperately needs to be changed if they'll have any chance of climbing into an advantageous playoff position. The smaller lineup is conducive to the game New York wants to play, and that long overdue adjustment out of injury-related necessity may have been the best thing to happen to this ballclub all year.

Now, it's about finding the right personnel to fill that lineup. With the Knicks' prone to so many sluggish starts (especially on offense), the slow-to-adjust Woodson needs to make the move for his unpredictable but talented shooting guard. In order to get on the winning track early in games, the Knicks' starting lineup needs to be shaken up.

Surprisingly enough, the answer can be the enigmatic J.R. Smith.

Brian Sausa is a Queens, New York native and a freelance journalist who contributes pieces on the Knicks and Jets to Yahoo! Sports. Previously covered a variety of NY Area teams for New York Sports World and former intern in UAlbany Sports Info Department. Twitter @BrianSausa