Cleveland Cavaliers: Exploring Brian Windhorst’s jab at J.R. Smith

Confidence

Both J.R. and Beasley have been known for their insistent confidence.

Beasley gained popularity last season following his scoring outbursts off the bench in December. He even garnered some MVP chants in Madison Square Garden during a 32-point showing.

Beasley’s performance didn’t necessarily surprise anyone. The former No. 2 overall pick has always had the talent of a star—he just hasn’t always executed like one.

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Before coming to the Cavs, J.R. also made his mark as a scorer off the bench like Beasley. He won Sixth Man of the Year in 2013, a feat not many remember.

The veteran has made a career off his relentless trigger-finger. Irrational confidence is “pure J.R.”

If J.R. doesn’t take a fadeaway shot with two hands in his face, then did he really even shoot at all?

While Smith has certainly given LeBron headaches, the King has praised the free-and-easy J.R. and fought for him to be re-signed in 2016.

James appears to have a soft spot for these ultra-confident shooters-gonna-shoot players.

Smith and Beasley clearly fit into this mold:

Following Game One’s debacle, J.R. was asked how much pressure he felt playing alongside LeBron. He replied: “… it’s a lot of pressure, depending on how you look at it. But I tell him all the time he has the opportunity to play with me as well.”

After his 32 points, Beasley was asked when he knew he had the hot hand. He replied: “January 9, 1989” (his birthdate).