New York Knicks News: Beno Udrih is Solid Pick Up For Backcourt; Smith Talks About Offseason Moves

The New York Knicks announced the signing of point guard Beno Udrih, according to ESPNNewYork.com.

ESPN.com reported, citing sources, the contract is for a year, $1.27 million.

"Beno is a solid addition to our backcourt where he will give us more depth and flexibility," Glen Grunwald, general manager of the Knicks, said. "He is a talented and experienced floor general who brings championship experience to our locker room."

Grunwald is not the only member of the Knicks organization who’s happy with the addition of Udrih. Shooting guard J.R. Smith recently discussed the upsides of having the former Orlando Magic.

"Beno is an unbelievable point guard. He played great against us last year in Milwaukee,” Smith said at a charity golf event for his youth foundation. “He's definitely going to help ... because he's a pass-first point guard and he can definitely make the open shot.”

Udrih will most likely move into the rotation behind point guard Raymond Felton. The 31-year old averaged 8.2 points and 4.6 assists in 66 games last season.

Udrih is the latest among the solid moves the Knicks made this offseason. The Knickerbockers also added Andrei Bargani, Metta World Peace and resigned Smith, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.

Smith was also excited about the signings of Peace and Bargani

"Bargnani is a 7-foot guy who can shoot and post up,” he said “I think he's one of the most underrated guys in this league so far, because he really hasn't been able to show his talent the way he's going to be able to in New York. That's going to help us.”

"And Metta is just an all-out warrior. He can guard 1 through 5. He makes the big shots. We definitely needed somebody like that on the team."

If Bargani, Peace and Udrih play to their potential, the Knicks will get post scoring, outstanding defense and a solid back-up point guard. Although Brooklyn is getting a large amount of attention for their outstanding off-season moves, the Knicks have done more than their share with the 2013 free agent class.

Real Time Analytics