For better or worse, J.R. Smith will go down in Cleveland Cavaliers history

The last two years were more of a mixed bag, but we’ll be forever grateful

However, the next season J.R. was limited to just 41 games and averaged 8.6 points on 35.1 percent shooting from long range. That postseason, though, Smith showed up once again, scoring 8.1 points per game and connecting on 50.0 percent of his three-point shots.

While Smith had several good moments with the Cavaliers, many will remember his stint at the end of Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals. With the score tied and George Hill at the line, Smith would grab the rebound and go completely blank. He dribbled out the remaining 4.7 seconds and forgot his team, in fact, had one timeout remaining.

LeBron (and the entire city of Cleveland) was heated at Smith for such a major blunder on the NBA’s biggest stage.

Any breakup is tough, and seeing the downfall of J.R. in a Cavaliers uniform is not going to be pretty. Nonetheless, we need to remember all the good times and highlight reel plays Smith made in his time in the Rock ‘n Roll city.

Smith’s frustration is understandable; as he believes he can still play and does not want to spend the season riding the bench. Playing this drama out in the media may not be the best play for Smith, but he was asked, and we all know J.R. has never been one to hide how he is feeling.

J.R. Smith is a player who has been unfairly labeled his entire career. There were plenty of fans and media members (though they won’t admit it now) who were down on the trade in January of 2015.

However, Smith should go down as one of the most memorable Cleveland Cavaliers. He went from a mislabeled role player to a critical piece on a championship contending team. Smith took on the personality of the city and won the fans over with his “When in doubt, shoot” mentality.

So no matter which way you choose to look at it, J.R. Smith made a name for himself in Cleveland and revitalized his career and proved he was much more than a “throw in” trade piece.