That’s especially true of Smith’s antics, as lately he has been just as much distraction as he has resembled a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Feb 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8) is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Orlando Johnson (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

According to a story written by the New York Post’s Marc Berman, Smith’s antics are starting to wear thin among the Knicks coaching staff.

You can see why. Smith could only stay unselfish for so long. Now it is back to the old J.R.

Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson, who has been Smith’s biggest supporter ripped his sixth man late in the week, and Smith even managed to get under the skin of Knicks assistant head coach Herb Williams after Wednesday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, where Smith was seen jawing with Williams on the bench before being ejected.

Berman noted that Williams was disgusted with Smith after the game when the media was talking to the Knicks guard.

It takes a lot to get under Williams’ skin, but Smith managed to do so.

When J.R. is playing an unselfish, team oriented game, he is a very nice fit on this team and I give Woodson credit for getting the message through to him. For much of the season Smith has been great, doing much more to help the Knicks win than just score the ball.

But with any Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde situation, that ugly side will come out eventually.

Smith has always been known as a selfish player and a problem for a locker room. Coincidently with the Knicks recent losing streak, we have seen the bad side of Smith come out.

That’s the one who plays a selfish game, forces tons of bad shots, makes things all about himself and runs his mouth non-stop.

The Knicks can’t win with that Smith coming off the bench.

They have to have the Smith from most of the first half of the season to be successful.

Woodson sent a message to his veteran guard and hopefully it was received loudly.

In Friday night’s loss to the Toronto Raptors, Smith was a very efficient 7-of-12 from the floor with four rebounds and four assists. He played in control and didn’t jack up 15 shots from behind the arc like we have seen at times.

That is the Smith that is supposed to help the Knicks win and will do so down the stretch.

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