Casey Smith: The Best Unknown Hire In Knicks History
Leon Rose’s smartest move during the 2024 wasn’t a trade or signing—it was hiring Casey Smith as VP of Sports Medicine. Smith has helped keep the Knicks healthy while the Mavs Crumble in 2025.
When Leon Rose took over as President of the New York Knicks, his primary focus was acquiring star talent and building a competitive roster. However, one of his most impactful moves wasn’t a player signing or a blockbuster trade it was hiring Casey Smith as Vice President of Sports Medicine in the summer of 2024. While the move didn’t make headlines, Smith’s expertise has arguably been just as valuable as any on-court addition, transforming the Knicks into one of the healthiest teams in the NBA while his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, has been decimated by injuries. Mind you, I’m a known Thibs hater, but Smith has been keeping this Knicks team upright all season.
For years, the Knicks struggled with injuries, often derailing promising seasons. The Injury that comes to mind instantly is the Porzingis injury, my god that hurt.
That changed the moment Smith arrived. His innovative approach to player health including integrating medical care, biomechanics, strength training, and individualized recovery programs has allowed New York to maintain elite availability and consistency throughout the 2024-25 season
The Knicks have missed just 153 total games due to injury this season, the fewest in the NBA.
Their total wins missed due to injuries is 3.82, also a league-best.
Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, and Karl Anthony Towns all of whom have dealt with injuries in the past have remained largely available. Paperman aka OG Anunoby has been the biggest surprised this season. OG Anunoby has played in 55 games this season, showcasing his durability and consistency. His ability to stay healthy has been a key factor in the Knicks impressive 41-20 record, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, the team Smith left behind, lead the NBA in wins missed due to injuries (11.91) and rank among the worst in total games missed (296). The contrast is staggering, and it’s no coincidence.
Since Smith departure, the Mavericks have endured one of the worst seasons in franchise history, plagued by injuries and dysfunction:
Anthony Davis, their new franchise player, suffered a season-ending injury in his Dallas debut.
Kyrie Irving just tore his ACL, effectively ending the Mavericks playoff hopes.
Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers on February 1, marking a complete franchise reset.
The Mavericks have struggled to manage injuries, leading to a catastrophic 296 total games missed.
Simply put, the Mavericks took Smith presence for granted, and now they’re paying the price.
Casey Smith path to becoming one of the most respected figures in sports medicine began in Wellston, Ohio, where he attended Wellston High School. As a sophomore, he successfully petitioned the school board to add a certified athletic trainer from the graduate program at nearby Ohio University a position that still exists today.
Smith pursued his passion for sports medicine at Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science in 1992, before obtaining a Master Degree of Science in Athletic Training from West Virginia University in 1994.
His professional journey took him to:
Phoenix Suns (2000-2004): Head Strength and Conditioning Coach & Assistant Athletic Trainer
Dallas Mavericks (2004-2023): Head Athletic Trainer, later promoted to VP of Player Health and Performance
USA Men’s National Basketball Team (2005-2012): Served as Athletic Trainer for multiple gold-medal-winning teams
During his time in Dallas, Smith became one of the most respected trainers in the NBA, working with legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic while helping the Mavericks win the 2011 NBA Championship. His work with Team USA from 2005-2012 further solidified his status, as he played a key role in keeping superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant in peak condition during international competition.
His impact has been described as unprecedented by coaches and players alike. Former Mavericks assistant coach Jamahl Mosley once called him “The best of the best”, while former Mavs president Donnie Nelson described him as a “godsend” for the organization.
Leon Rose recognized something that Dallas failed to appreciate having an elite sports medicine leader is just as valuable as a superstar acquisition. Smith’s ability to prevent injuries, optimize player performance, and keep stars available is why the Knicks have been one of the healthiest teams in the league while the Mavericks have crumbled.
Smith isn’t just an athletic trainer, he’s a franchise-altering presence. And in a league where availability is everything, his hiring could be the most important Knicks move in the last 25 years.
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