DENVER — Power forward Jason Smith hopes to be back with the Knicks next season, but he may be playing well enough to price himself out of Phil Jackson’s budget.
Smith, who signed a one-year deal for the mini-midlevel exception ($3.3 million), had only one thing to prove this season — staying healthy. He’s the only Knick to have played all 62 games, after his last two seasons with New Orleans were wrecked by knee surgeries.
Smith has elevated his play noticeably since Jan. 1. The former Colorado State star, who grew up an hour from Pepsi Arena, is moving better on defense and hits the mid-range jumper in Jackson’s triangle.
“I love New York,’’ Smith said before the Knicks were dominated by the Nuggets, 106-78, on Monday. “I like the triangle offense. I wouldn’t have a problem coming back to New York. I think it’s a great market, great basketball organization. Phil’s got the team moving in the right direction. It’s tough to say that now because he’s trying to change the culture.’’
Smith, who scored eight points on 3-of-7 shooting, played 31 games last season because of a torn cartilage and 51 in 2012-13.
“Because that’s all they gave me,’’ Smith said when asked why he signed short term. “One-year deal, a lot of people had injury concerns because of the last two years.’’
“It wasn’t anything of the same sort, like chronic back pain. It was two random injuries, so it was a matter of proving to people I could stay healthy and could endure a long NBA season. I think I’ve done that this season very well. I’ve been at every practice, every game. I hope to continue to do that until the season’s end.’’
Coach Derek Fisher said he has been in contact with Shaw.
“We’ve touched base,’’ Fisher said.
Shaw could wind up on the Knicks’ staff next season with his Jackson/Fisher/triangle ties.
Lou Amundson, a Denver area native who missed Saturday’s game with back spasms, returned but Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) and Quincy Acy (knee) were out. Acy will undergo an MRI. … Fisher said he’s still unsure if Jose Calderon (strained Achilles) will make his return on this trip.