“It looks good, just doesn’t feel good,” is what J.R. Smith said and what everyone has noticed about Dwyane Wade in the starting lineup after three games for the Cavaliers. With their fourth contest against the Chicago Bulls tonight, the team decided to move Wade to the bench and start Smith, per Wade’s request.
While he can’t start against his former team tonight, Dwyane Wade will still carry a major role off the bench as a facilitator during Derrick Rose’s injury. Smith believes this serves well for the identity of a team that “prides itself in spreading the floor.”
Before Wade’s arrival, besides some minor injuries, J.R. Smith started in each game since the Cavs’ 2015 playoff run. In that time, his shooting and underrated defense has made him a staple for the Cavs, as he was instrumental for the team’s 2016 ring and still is for the locker room. Now, he can return to that role comfortably.
In limited time over the first few games off the bench this season, J.R. Smith has averaged 6.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game so far. His impact has been less so noticeable while having to create shots for himself with the second unit. Without doubt a starting Smith will bring the best out of him, and perhaps a role off the bench will open things up for Dwyane Wade. Only time will tell.
