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JR Smith shuts down Celtics as a threat to Cavs

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 6: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 6, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 6: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 6, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers, just like the Boston Celtics, went under a major transformation this offseason, and JR Smith is positive the C’s are not a threat.

JR Smith, the sharpshooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, told Cleveland.com that he does not view the Celtics as a threat this upcoming season.

"“Not really, honestly,” Smith said. “I mean they have Ky (Kyrie Irving), but last year they had Isaiah (Thomas), Avery (Bradley). And Gordon (Hayward), I mean, give or take obviously they bring different things to the floor. Gordon is a better offensive player but Avery is the better defender, so pretty much you could say a wash there…. I wouldn’t say the same team because obviously there’s different people in different jerseys, but I mean, I don’t really pose them as a big threat to us.”"

Smith is one of the most outspoken Cavaliers. But, at the same time, Smith is not wrong. The Celtics have improved this offseason with the addition of Irving and Hayward, but they also lost vital pieces of their team last season that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Whether they truly have a shot at the King and Cavs will only be settled in May.

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For Smith’s role, things have switched up, and he will need to be much more aggressive this season.

As a team, the Cavaliers have gained such depth this season that Smith has moved to the bench, and Dwyane Wade is now the starting shooting guard. Regardless of where he plays, Smith’s presence is one that is always noted by opposing defenses. His microwave ability is one reason that most teams fear Smith. Smith, the playmaker, is much more dangerous to defenses than Smith, the corner three-point shooter. This season, Smith the playmaker will be what the Cavaliers need more off their bench.

This season will need to resurrect that old, playmaking Smith. Last season, Smith went through an array of difficulties both on the court and in his personal life. But, JR Smith has always brought a certain type of personality to the Cavaliers. His personality might come from the eight creamers and sugars he drinks in his coffee, or, at least, he does according to Sports Illustrated.

However he gets it, Smith’s energy is unrivaled, and his confidence is certainly through the roof. Hopefully, just like his confidence, his percentages increase. Last season, Smith shot just 34.6% from the field which was, by far, the lowest of his career. His 8.6 points per game were the lowest of his career besides for his sophomore season.

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Smith must reinvent himself this season, and coming off the bench will be the perfect opportunity to do so.