The Cleveland Cavaliers will reportedly be without J.R. Smith for quite a bit of time.
Smith, who the Cavs reportedly fear broke his thumb on his shooting hand Tuesday night, will apparently need surgery that will keep him out for a while.
Cavs fears realized today with JR Smith. He will need surgery on his thumb and will be out an extended period, sources said
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) December 21, 2016
It’s not ideal news for Cleveland, though it comes early enough in the season that they should be able to survive this. Add in the fact that Smith is averaging an underwhelming 8.6 points per game so far this season while shooting just 33.7 percent from the field and you have a player that Cleveland will be able to replace for a little while. They already had to for a bit earlier in the month.
Expect to see Iman Shumpert assume a bigger role in Smith’s absence.
