Newly-acquired guard J.R. Smith has been a “godsend” for the Cleveland Cavaliers since his arrival from the Knicks, bringing much needed scoring and energy. When he first arrived in New York, he brought the same kind of attributes to a exciting Knicks squad. However, after a successful season in which he won the NBA’s 6th man of the year award; it appeared the “city that never sleeps” was taking it’s toll on Smith and many of his teammates.
Well, if that was your suspicion, it looks like it couldn’t have been more spot-on. The following quote comes from Smith himself, while speaking with the Cleveland Media about the nightlife in the big apple:
“It was kind of pulling me down in a sense, of not getting enough rest, not doing the things you’re supposed to be doing. Things you’re used to doing.”
Smith won’t have to worry about the pull & lure of the big city nightlife in Cleveland, and by the looks of his hot start, he’s back to doing the “things he was used to doing”.
When I saw stories of J.R. Smith drinking in the club during the Knicks playoff run, I began to seriously wonder if he had a problem larger than what the public was seeing. He seemed to get it together after that (at least when it came to public intoxication), however, if he really does have any sort of issue, it won’t matter that he’s in Cleveland. There’s bottle service everywhere now.
[h/t Twitter]