Smith Early in Recovery After Surgery J. R. Smith received a call Thursday morning from the Knicks" team doctor, who reminded him that he was not to step on the golf course that afternoon at his foundation's annual tournament. Such is life these days for Smith, who signed a three-year, $17.95 million contract last month and four days later had two surgical procedures on his left knee. He has been limited to working out underwater and on a stationary bike, and he remains unsure whether he will be ready for the season opener Oct. 30 at Madison Square Garden. "We've had great success with surgeries over the past couple years with the Knicks, listening to the doctors on our health issues," Smith said. So I'll follow their game plan and let them tell me where I'm at. Smith spoke outside Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood, N.J. He donned a Devils cap, an orange golf shirt and black Air Jordan high tops. His close-cropped hair was dyed red. Smith was not wearing a brace and appeared to walk without a problem. He had two procedures on his knee July 15 to repair a damaged patella tendon and lateral meniscus. The procedures" timing was somewhat curious. Smith and the Knicks have said they were aware during the season that he was injured. Having the surgeries immediately after the season would have given him a better chance to be ready for training camp - though it also could have affected his attractiveness as a free agent. Asked why he waited, Smith said he was hoping to avoid surgery altogether. "I thought I was going to get better with time off," he said. But he did not. Now, Smith will wait to see how his knee reacts to early workouts. The recovery time has been estimated to be three to four months. Though it seems unlikely, he said he would like to be ready for training camp. Smith said Beno Udrih, who signed a one-year contract, is an "unbelievable point guard," lauding his ball-distributing skills. Smith added, "He can definitely make that open shot." Udrih, 31, will give the Knicks needed backcourt depth. He played 66 games last season for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic, averaging 8.2 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 44 percent from the field. Udrih represents the latest modest acquisition by the Knicks this summer. Smith weighed in on the others, too, calling forward Andrea Bargnani, whom the Knicks acquired through a trade, "one of the most underrated guys in this league." He added, "He really hasn't been able to show his talent the way he's going to be able to in New York." Smith said that Metta World Peace, who was signed last month, "is just an all-out warrior." "He can guard one through five," Smith said, referring to the five positions on the court. He makes the big shots. He wants the big-shot moments. The moves have been overshadowed by the activity of the Nets, who acquired Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, legitimizing their effort to be a championship team. "They've got a great chance to compete for a title," Smith said. But I think we're still the marquee team in New York. A lot of people are still counting us out, just like they did last year. We've got a lot to prove. I think we'll come out with a lot of edge and hopefully put it to positive use on the court.