JR Smith has had a bigger role in 11 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers than he had with the New York Knicks. While he’s still shooting just 40 percent from the field since the trade, Smith is averaging 14.3 points and 32.7 minutes per game with the Cavs. Is that because he cut back on partying?
Knicks fans frequently blamed Smith’s social life for his struggles in New York. There were times when JR went out of his way to defend himself, but he basically admitted it was an issue during a recent interview with NBA.com’s David Aldridge.
Aldridge asked Smith what he thinks he needs to do in order to fit in with Cleveland.
“I think this is the best situation for me, ’cause there’s nothing but basketball. There’s nothing you expect but basketball,” Smith said. “There’s nothing, there’s no going out, there’s no late nights. There’s video games, basketball and basketball. So it’s a great thing, ’cause I go back to where I came from.
“When I grew up, I never, I wasn’t allowed to go out. I missed my prom because I went to an AAU tournament, and all that stuff. For me, it was basketball, basketball, basketball. And then when I got in the situation where I was at an early age, it was more, alright, let me see what this life is about, as opposed to just keep going. So now, I get the chance to get back to my roots.”
Was that Smith admitting that Rihanna may have been right?
As Jacob Rosen of WFNY noted, Smith has always played significantly worse on Sundays. Is there a reason for that? He may have just explained it.
H/T Deadspin
