Mike Woodson: To play, J.R. Smith must get with program

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INDIANAPOLIS - Mike Woodson said if J.R. Smith isn't with the program, he should get used to sitting at the end of the Knicks' bench.

'Put it this way, he's going to have to be with it if he's going to want to be a part of it,'' Woodson said after the morning shootaround Thursday. 'As a coach, it's my job to make sure that that happens.''

Smith returned to action Thursday night against the Pacers after being benched for the second time in four games Tuesday in Charlotte.

Reportedly, Smith vented his frustration over playing only 45 seconds in overtime Monday against Phoenix and was late for a team meeting Tuesday.

Woodson laughed when asked if the Knicks needed Smith Thursday night. 'I need J.R. every game,'' Woodson said. 'Every game I need J.R.''

Since Woodson became head coach in March 2012, one objective has been to make Smith more professional on and off the court. He excelled last season, averaging 18.1 points and winning the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. But this season, Smith has been in trouble with the NBA and the Knicks.

The league fined Smith $50,000 last week for untying opponents' sneakers during games. He also posted an Instagram with the word 'betrayal'' in it that appeared to be directed at the Knicks for waiving his brother Chris.

Woodson reiterated that at this point, he doesn't need to discuss anything else with Smith.

'There's nothing needs to be said,'' Woodson said. 'I expect J.R. to be a pro and concentrate on playing basketball. It's a privilege to play in this league. You got to do all the necessary things, the right things on and off the court to be a pro in this league. I don't take coaching for granted. I don't think any player should take it for granted.''

Let's be Frank

Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he still views the Knicks as the 54-win team of last season and expects them and the Nets to be 'tough outs'' in the playoffs.

Vogel, who will coach the East All-Star team, was asked if he will play Carmelo Anthony 40 minutes next month to wear him out. Vogel smiled and said, 'Not as a way to run him into the ground; as a way to win, maybe.''

Around the rim

Woodson said Pablo Prigioni (fractured big toe) is shooting to return Monday against the Nets . . . Kenyon Martin left the game in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle and didn't return.

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