The Cavs had an interesting relationship with guard JR Smith this off-season. They sort of treated him like a ex-girlfriend that they knew wouldn’t leave. JR made the break up official when he decided to opt-out of the final year of his contract. The Cavs seems to keep him at a distance, yet close enough where one call could get him back on the squad. JR eventually return for less money and will be thrown back into the starting line up after Iman Shumpert injured his wrist which will sideline him for 12 weeks. But how does JR feel about his coach David Blatt?
“First things first, before we get into basketball, Coach really cares about me as a person. That’s one of the first coaches I’ve had that actually cared about me off the court more than on the court, so it was that much easier for me to play for him and give my all because I know he cares about me as a person.”
“When you have someone like that behind you it’s so much easier just to play. I’d run through a brick wall for Coach.”
I’ve always thought JR was a solid player under the right leadership. He’s a little rough around the edges and just needs a little more hands on attention. With guys like LeBron, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving around him and being willing to do anything for coach Blatt, I feel JR is set to have a solid season.
HT: BleacherReport