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| JR Smith/ AP Images |
JR Smith teases his followers on Twitter about who he may sign with in the states, let's explore the possibilities.
By Matt Rose
When JR Smith signed a contract to play in China, I remember telling a friend, China is getting a real life Godzilla. After two brawls—one initiated by his girlfriend and one by his sister—and a fake injury, I was not too far off. But Godzilla is set to return to the states on February 16, and many teams are interested in the enigmatic guard’s services.
9 Feb
JR Smith @TheRealJRSmith Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
I wonder if people would be mad if I went to the heat? #justathought
Anytime JR thinks, everyone should pay attention, as it is usually quite rare. Smith has done nothing to help George Karl’s health over the last few years. His play is erratic on the court and his actions are immature and often, illegal off it. He does not take to coaching well, assuming he even pays attention. While the obvious choices for JR are the Knicks and Clippers because he would have a large role, no one has ever accused him of being rational.
Despite his erratic personality and streaky play, JR can score: plain and simple. He averages 34.5 PPG in China, shooting nearly 50% from both the field and three. He is well known as one of the streakiest shooters in the league, capable of exploding in a flash. He would contribute instantly to the Bulls, Clippers, Lakers, and Knicks. So why would he go to the Heat?
JR is only going to sign a one-year contract. If he signs with the Knicks he can get close to $2.5 million; any other team can only pay him the veteran minimum. By signing with the Heat, Smith would likely be their sixth man on a weak bench. He would add scoring and, hopefully, mature under LeBron and Dwyane Wade’s mentoring. Most of all, he would greatly damage all his other suitor’s hopes at a Championship. Don’t for a second think I am implying that JR Smith is the difference between winning the NBA Finals or not, but he will play a factor.
If Smith signs with the Heat he makes arguably the best team in the league better, distancing them from the rest of the pack. If he signs with any of the aforementioned teams, he levels the playing field to an extent.
Keep your eyes on JR on the days around February 16. Godzilla is coming home, and he does not care in the least how mad you would be if he signs with the Heat. In fact, he would probably enjoy it that much more.
When JR Smith signed a contract to play in China, I remember telling a friend, China is getting a real life Godzilla. After two brawls—one initiated by his girlfriend and one by his sister—and a fake injury, I was not too far off. But Godzilla is set to return to the states on February 16, and many teams are interested in the enigmatic guard’s services.
Smith has been very closed about where he intends to play next year. He has been toying with fans for weeks on twitter, yet has never tipped his hand in any way. All the more reason this tweet could mean more than it appears:
JR Smith @TheRealJRSmith Reply Retweet Favorite · OpenI wonder if people would be mad if I went to the heat? #justathought
Anytime JR thinks, everyone should pay attention, as it is usually quite rare. Smith has done nothing to help George Karl’s health over the last few years. His play is erratic on the court and his actions are immature and often, illegal off it. He does not take to coaching well, assuming he even pays attention. While the obvious choices for JR are the Knicks and Clippers because he would have a large role, no one has ever accused him of being rational.
Despite his erratic personality and streaky play, JR can score: plain and simple. He averages 34.5 PPG in China, shooting nearly 50% from both the field and three. He is well known as one of the streakiest shooters in the league, capable of exploding in a flash. He would contribute instantly to the Bulls, Clippers, Lakers, and Knicks. So why would he go to the Heat?
JR is only going to sign a one-year contract. If he signs with the Knicks he can get close to $2.5 million; any other team can only pay him the veteran minimum. By signing with the Heat, Smith would likely be their sixth man on a weak bench. He would add scoring and, hopefully, mature under LeBron and Dwyane Wade’s mentoring. Most of all, he would greatly damage all his other suitor’s hopes at a Championship. Don’t for a second think I am implying that JR Smith is the difference between winning the NBA Finals or not, but he will play a factor.
If Smith signs with the Heat he makes arguably the best team in the league better, distancing them from the rest of the pack. If he signs with any of the aforementioned teams, he levels the playing field to an extent.
Keep your eyes on JR on the days around February 16. Godzilla is coming home, and he does not care in the least how mad you would be if he signs with the Heat. In fact, he would probably enjoy it that much more.
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