Most basketball fans are well-aware of the fact that Cleveland Cavaliers marksman J.R. Smith and his wife, Jewel, gave birth to their daughter, Dakota, five months prematurely.
Smith commented on his daughter’s status after today’s practice session, saying: “108 days in the hospital — doing GREAT.” He also thanked the doctors and nurses for their diligence with his daughter.
JR on hospital workers caring for daughter:
"The things they really do in there
… those people are really life-changers."— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
more JR: "I go out and perform in front of 20,000 people, but the pressure they're under (in hospital) is second to none"
— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
JR on doctors and nurses caring for daughter: "Those
are the real heroes."— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue commented on the situation this afternoon as well, saying: “I pray for him (Smith) every night.” The second-year head coach knows that family comes first.
Lue on JR and baby daughter:
"We know it's a tough situation to
deal with. I pray for him every night."— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
Lue on JR's daughter: "That's a delicate situation. Family's first"
— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
Coach Lue stated that it can be easier for Smith to take his mind off of things while he’s playing — a notion that just about anyone can understand.
Lue on JR: "Being here is like his sanctuary. … You get between these lines, you can kind of take your mind off it"
— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
Smith appreciated what coach Lue had to say about this difficult time for his family and echoed his words, saying; “My family comes first.”
JR:"My family comes first. If you can't
accept that, I don't know what else to tell you. That should be No. 1 for any
and everybody."— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
"That's
my first priority," Smith said of his family. "Basketball and
whatever else after basketball is second."— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) April 19, 2017
