It's always a special moment when J.R. Smith has a "J.R." game. And there's no better example than last night when Smith was the main cog in the machine that gave the Cavaliers a Game 1 victory over the Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals. While Knicks fans are still weeping about landing the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, seeing the former Knick nail eight (!) three-pointers and tally 28 points just adds to the pain.
But Smith's huge game caused LeBron James to recall all the convincing he had to do with Cavaliers GM David Griffin to bring the J.R. Smith experience to Cleveland. LeBron wasn't worried about the issues that plagued Smith in the past, because according to him, he knew the type of player he could be under his guidance:
"Get him here and I'll take care of it," James said Wednesday night, recalling the pivotal discussion.
"I knew the man he was and I didn't really care about what everybody else thought of him," James said. "Our front office, they have the last say. ... I was definitely all for it."
LeBron had to endorse Smith heavily in order to get him to the Cavaliers. Griffin even called the Knicks and requested to speak with him. The Knicks, knowing they wanted to trade Smith, granted permission for the call. Remember, this would normally be considered tampering, had the Knicks not agreed to the call.
But the Cavaliers were also prepared to let Smith go immediately if he returned to his old ways:
Ultimately, the Cavs figured if Smith messed up, whether it was another failed drug test or more heavy partying or fighting, they could just release him. With a year and $6.3 million left on his deal (a player option) their insurance policy was to use the stretch provision on him and spread money owed over the next few years.
Twenty-eight points and eight triples in the Eastern Conference Finals later, it looks like J.R. Smith may have been the best move the Cavaliers made since bringing LeBron home.
Oh, and P.S., life advice from J.R. Smith is the best advice:
2.
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[via ESPN]
