In his 16th year in the league, J.R. Smith has taken on a new role for the team. As one of the veterans on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Smith is now a role model for his young teammates.
Early in his career, the media painted Smith as an elite offensive talent who lacked the professionalism and attitude to take his game to the next level. He shut his critics down when he won his first ring in 2016.
And now, the 33-year-old is now considered a role model and a leader — a tag which might have been considered unlikely in his earlier years. This year, the narrative is different for Smith. As reported by Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue views Smith as one of the leaders of the squad.
“Right now JR’s one of the leaders on this team,” coach Tyronn Lue said.
For his part, Smith shared his priorities this season. When he was younger, just like everyone else, he wanted to play more minutes and show everyone that he belongs in the NBA.
“I’ve been in so many training camps where guys are fighting roles or jobs or spots — I’m fighting for me teaching the younger guys how to play this game,” Smith said. “I really look at that as something I take with pride. And I’m going to be honest, I didn’t do that before because I was more selfish and more into myself. I want more minutes, I want this, I want that. For whatever reason, this year it’s different.”
This year might be different because Smith has nothing left to prove. Not only is he considered one of the top 3-point shooters of all time, but more importantly, Smith is a champion. That’s something the critics can never take away.