Knicks’ J.R. Smith Sidelined 3-4 Months After Knee Surgery

May 16, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game 5 of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffsat Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 85-75. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Everything seemed to be looking up for the New York Knicks as they recently signed Metta World Peace after being amnestied by the Los Angeles Lakers, but now they are dealt with a huge blow, to the explosive J.R. Smith.

J.R. Smith had patella tendon surgery and his knee scoped to repair a tear in the lateral meniscus of his left knee, the team announced Monday. Recovery time is three to four months, which means he could return during training camp, or he could miss the start of the season.

Smith had just signed a four-year deal with the Knicks worth $24.7 million, to stay in New York.  The 27-year old was the leagues sixth man of the year last season and when he is not in the lineup, the Knicks are not the same team.  He was the second leading scorer on the Knicks averaging 18.2 points a game shooting 42.2 percent overall, 35.6 percent from three.

Do you feel this now becomes a gamble for the Knicks to have taken?  They will have him for most of the season but now they have to deal with a player that has knee issues too.