J.R. Smith is enjoying a rebirth in Cleveland across the board.
Since being traded, the Cavs have won 16 of 18 games. Smith’s field goal percentage is up, his turnovers are down, his steals are up, and his team is winning. Perhaps the fresh start has renewed his interest in the game and playing for a winning team has allowed him to be more of a team player. But another key is Smith says the offensive style in Cleveland suits him much more than the triangle offense the Knicks were running.
“It’s just much easier to play. The style of basketball that we play suits my game. Run and gun, shoot open shots, play defense, just play,” Smith said Saturday via ESPN New York’s Ian Begley.
Smith thinks the Knicks may have trouble finding players willing to adapt to the triangle.
“It’s just a matter of, ‘Does this situation suit my game?’” Smith said. “If you’re a freelancing player and you like to play up and down, it’s not going to suit your game. If you like to play in the half court, move the ball and stuff like that and sacrifice, then it is your situation. It just depends.”
This is nothing new from Smith. The shooting guard previously was critical of the triangle offense, saying it was almost too much thinking. He also made a hilarious crack when asked about the Cavs’ offensive playbook by comparison.
Oh, and the other biggest reason for Smith’s success in Cleveland? Well you’ll have to read that one for yourself.
As far as the Knicks and their triangle offense goes, I’m pretty sure all Phil Jackson had to do is plop his two fistsfuls of championship rings down on the table to convince free agents that the system works.
