King James Gospel
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If Hood starts, who will the Cavaliers bring off the bench?

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 6: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 6: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The case for JR Smith

JR Smith’s case is not a solid one that’s for sure. He cost the Cavs Game 1 of the NBA Finals by not putting up a bunny floater but instead dribbling the clock out. Heading to overtime, the disgruntled team couldn’t find their rhythm and was torn apart.

While as good of a reason as Lue needs, Smith shouldn’t have been starting for the bulk of last season.

Every season Smith has been in Cleveland, his scoring has decreased. Almost a career-low 8.3 points per game, Smith struggled all last season, shooting just 40.3% while hoisting up 64% of his shots from downtown.

A perennial starter, the elite three-point shooter shot just 37.5% from deep last season. With his three-point shooting being his most contributing skill, Smith, who is nearing 33, is also losing some of his once-stellar athleticism.

Smith has started all but 26 games in his three-and-a-half seasons with the Cavaliers. So, could it be time for Lue to limit Smith and try something different without James?

The case for JR Smith is grounded on his legacy, but that might not be enough anymore. Hood should and hopefully will send Smith to the bench.

Next. Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players. dark

Starting Hood presents intriguing options for Cleveland, and it’ll be interesting to see how Lue gameplans to build this up-and-coming generation of young talent.