Cavs: Why not retire Number 5? 4 reasons to honor J.R. Smith

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J.R. Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images /

Cavs: J.R. Smith’s Game 7 start to the second half

When Cavaliers fans talk about some of the most clutch plays during that 2016 run, they often mention Kevin Love’s outstanding defense on Stephen Curry with under a minute to play. Love forced Curry into an awkward shot that missed, and was the Warriors’ last real chance to tie the game.

They also talk about LeBron and his super-human block, chasing down Andre Iguodala and swatting away his layup attempt. Finally, of couse, people will mention Kyrie Irving’s game-winner with under a minute left to play. However, one of the unsung heroes of that game was indeed J.R. Smith.

Down 49-42 by the time the second half started, the Cavs needed a spark to get them going. Well, they got it from J.R. Smith. While the Warriors were looking to stretch their lead, the Cavs’ defense stepped up, and Smith went on a tear. He hit four consecutive buckets to start the second half. When it seemed like the Cavaliers had given up, J.R. kept them in the game.

J.R. Smith was there for it all

J.R. Smith loved Cleveland. I hope everybody remembers when people said J.R. would fail in Cleveland because it wasn’t a high-profile city like New York. J.R. embraced the city and boy did the city embrace him back. Let’s also not forget that he stuck around with LeBron for his final years in Cleveland. Kyrie won a championship and wanted to leave. Kevin Love could not seem to escape the injury bug. However, good ol’ J.R. stayed around. There were times in those waning days where J.R. was the best player on the court next to LeBron James.

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When all is said and done, shouldn’t every starter form that 2016 championship team have their numbers retired. They all made some incredible plays during the season. However, if there’s one player who will get his number retired other than the big three of LeBron Kyrie, and Kevin Love, it was always going to be J.R. Smith. I have a hunch that Smith won’t be buying his own drinks in Cleveland ever again.