The New York Knicks have demoted Chris Smith to their D-League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks.

Smith, the brother of J.R. Smith, was a surprise inclusion on the 15-man roster announced by the Knicks at the start of the season.

New York have decided against using the point guard in their first nine games and he has only been asked to pull on the jersey on one occasion during his time on the sidelines.

Smith will still be paid his full wage for the season as his contract became guaranteed once he was named on the roster.