I’ve been a believer in JR Smith since day one. However, it might be time the Cleveland Cavaliers consider permanently leaving him on the bench.
JR Smith once was the Cleveland Cavaliers most lethal three-point threat. This season, it’s been a far different story.
While there have been flashes of the JR Smith that lit up the Golden State Warriors for two straight games during the 2017 Finals, he has consistently been letting the Cavs down this season, and somehow it’s gotten worse following the break.
Following the break, Smith has averaged just 7.3 points per game. However, that would be fine if he were just toning down his volume shooting and scoring more efficiently.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Smith is the only Cavalier that gets consistent minutes and averages more shots per game than points, averaging 7.7 shots per game.
On those shots, Smith is shooting just 35%, and it drops significantly to 25% when he steps behind the three-point line. Smith’s outside shot has always been his strength, but following the break, he has just one game of three or more triples and three games of zero triples. His lack of consistent production has been certainly been discouraging this season for the Cavaliers.
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It doesn’t stop with his poor shooting though. The team, in general, has been awful with Smith on the court. He has a -3.2 net rating since the break, ranking in the team’s bottom five. He also makes up one of the five starters that have significantly struggled at the beginning of games this season.
Defensively, it’s the same story. The Cavs give up 116 points per 100 possessions with Smith on the floor; however, that isn’t just a fluke. Smith has been a poor defender all season, ranking No. 95 of 107 among qualified shooting guards in ESPN’s defensive real plus/minus.
Overall, JR Smith has been a ghost of his former self, but is it time to bench him for good? In my opinion, yes, it is, but there most certainly can be an argument for keeping in the starting lineup.
For starters, he is just one of four members left on the Cavs team from the NBA Championship roster that came back from the 3-1 deficit to the Golden State Warriors in 2016. That experience could be crucial with so many young faces recently added to this Cavaliers team.
Secondly, he is just one of a few Cavaliers players that completely change the pace of a game. If JR is hitting, while it’s a big if, the Cavaliers are an immensely better team.
JR Smith’s value can go both ways, but you have to consider this: If you’re in the fourth quarter with the game on the line, would you rather trust Rodney Hood on the court or JR Smith. From what I’ve seen and read this season, I’d much rather have Hood leading the charge.
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It’s a sad truth, but it might be time for the Cleveland Cavaliers to finally give up on JR Smith.
Do you agree?