The Cleveland Cavaliers received what proved to be a huge boost to their roster in the middle of last season. This huge help was none other than J.R. Smith. It’s true that he does have some issues on the court and a few off the court. Heck, even Phil Jackson, who is now the President of the New York Knicks, had some interesting things to say about him the player he traded away mid-season.
“J.R. had been exhibiting delinquent behavior and had gotten into the habit of coming in late to team meetings, or missing them altogether.”
There was also an incident before the trade that most likely made the New York Knicks expedite the trade process and send J.R. to Cleveland.
RELATED: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About J.R. Smith
“On New Year’s Eve, we played an afternoon game in L.A. against the Clippers. We stayed overnight in L.A. on New Year’s Eve, so whatever might go on probably doesn’t help that we have a game the next day. I asked Fish what players were the biggest distractions. He said that although J.R. never talked back to him, he always walked around under a dark cloud. Derek was worried that negative energy was contagious.”
The New York Knicks proved to be a bad fit J.R. Smith and New York City was not the ideal place for him in this stage of his career. Smith seems to get a bit distracted by the party scene, the women, and the alcohol. However, his talent level is undeniable. Cavs General Manager David Griffin saw this and decided to roll the dice to bring Smith to Cleveland. He made the right decision because Smith was a catalyst in the Cavaliers making a NBA Finals run last season.
Smith’s decision to opt out hurt the Cavs at first because it gave them one more player to worry about in free agency. But Sam Amico reports that the Cavs are actually waiting for the market to dictate Smith’s contract.
Sixers expressed interest in free agent guard JR Smith, but that's dwindled. Cavs want to re-sign Smith, letting market determine his value.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) August 4, 2015
Here are three reasons why the Cavs should re-sign Smith and bring him back to the Cavaliers for next season!
1. J.R. Smith is clutch. He makes big shots and had one bad series.
J.R. Smith is one of the most talented players in the NBA. When his head is on straight the guy is unstoppable. He can heat up in a hurry. As he showcased throughout his career and especially last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He got a chance to play more in the limelight and big stage and he was able to show what he can do. He earned more respect throughout the sports world and NBA Circles for his play and professionalism last year. At some point we all have to man up and grow up. Smith knows what position he is in and he knows he can really make some noise in his career if he signs with the Cavs.
Click ‘next’ to see the second reason why the Cavs should re-sign Smith!
2. J.R. is a knock-down shooter. He can make open shots and this is what the Cavaliers need.
Let’s face the music for a second. LeBron James is the best player in the world. He plays the style of basketball where he needs solid jump shooters around him. Especially from the three point line. J.R. Smith is an excellent jump shooter and he knocked down a ton of open jump shots from LeBron James either from three or from mid range. He also can create his own shot off the dribble too. This is key because it helps take the pressure off of James to do everything. If he re-signs with the Cavaliers look for Smith to have a great shooting season.
Click ‘next’ to see the third reason why the Cavs should re-sign Smith!
3. Cleveland, Ohio is the perfect place for his basketball career.
Cleveland, Ohio is a big city but it is not a New York City or a Los Angeles. Cleveland is the 14th biggest market in the United States but it is a place where Smith can concentrate on the game of basketball. In New York he was caught up in the party lifestyle and drinking a lot. This definitely affected his play on the court whether people want to admit it or not. In Cleveland he will play alongside veterans such as LeBron James, Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson. These guys are savvy veterans who have been in the NBA a while and have their heads on straight. This is what Smith needs to truly flourish in his career.