Some of the Cleveland Cavaliers might still be devasted after their second straight Finals loss, not JR Smith. He’s been in the gym this offseason.
One of the NBA’s most professional and popular trainers, Chris Brickley, has been in the gym this offseason working on his craft, training. One of his main clients? Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard JR Smith.
Brickley recently posted this picture saying that Smith has “put in A LOT of hours in the gym this offseason.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtoPGGAzBw/?taken-by=cbrickley603
Smith has had two straight down seasons. His percentages are low and scoring seems to be tanking even further, averaging 8.3 points per game, the second lowest of his career. Overall, what matters is his efficiency, and that’s not at the level it should be.
Apparently, he knew that though.
Smith hopefully is on another level this season, a level we haven’t seen him on in quite some time. However, with James’ departure, Smith will be asked to carry more of the load offensively.
Just like Kevin Love, Smith has transitioned into much more of a one-dimensional type of player offensively. Smith shot 76% and 64% of his shots from deep over the past two seasons respectively.
From an all-around threat to a pure three-point shooter, Smith’s game has been limited for the past four seasons.
Along with the rest of the team, Smith will have to develop his offensive game back to creating for others. Love and Smith both must learn to fend for themselves and not just camp at the three-point line waiting for James’ greatness to find them wide open.
That’s why it’s so important to see him working with Brickley.
At 6-foot-6 and 32-years-old, Smith is well past the prime of his career, but with a contract season coming up next year, Smith needs to re-prove his value for both himself and his team. The Cavs are committed to making the postseason this year, and they’ll need Smith’s help to do so.
From pull-up jumpers to three-point shots to everything in between, Smith has been putting in the work and should come out at the top of his game this upcoming season.