LeBron James praises Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr: 'He should be a Knick'

Michael Singer | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption NBA drama: Nail clippings, angry LeBron and the flat Earth SportsPulse: Trysta Krick breaks down this week in the never-ending soap opera that is the NBA.

LeBron James is occasionally complimentary of incoming rookies, but Saturday, after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Dallas Mavericks, he took it a step further.

While praising Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr., James took a shot at the New York Knicks (and perhaps departed team president Phil Jackson) when he said the Knicks “passed on a really good one.”

The Knicks took French guard Frank Ntilikina at No. 8, one spot ahead of the Mavericks at No. 9. Both squads sorely needed point guards heading into the season.

“The Knicks passed on a really good one, and Dallas got the diamond in the rough,” James said, per ESPN. “He should be a Knick. That’s going to make some headlines, but he should be a Knick. Dallas is definitely, I know they’re excited that he didn’t go there.”

Knicks center Enes Kanter quickly took to Twitter to back his rookie.

Nope!!

We love what we got...

Thanks!!!https://t.co/eI6nTpghmQ — Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) November 12, 2017

Ntilikina was Jackson’s final pick before he was fired less than a week after the draft.

Jackson infamously angered James when he referred to his business partners as a “posse” in November and Saturday's comments could be interpreted as a parting shot.

“He’s an unbelievable talent (with) athleticism,” James added of Smith, who he’s mentored since high school. “He’s very poised to be his age, can shoot the ball, penetrate. He’s only going to get better and better with the opportunity he’s getting here. Dallas got a good one. I’ve been knowing that. I’ve been with him for so long now. I’ve been knowing his talent level.”

Smith finished with 21 points, seven assists and five rebounds and is averaging 14.8 points, 5.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds on the season. Smith was on the outside looking in of USA TODAY Sports’ initial NBA rookie rankings that debuted last week. This year’s rookie class is one of the deepest in the last decade.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Michael Singer on Twitter @msinger.