JR Smith

[Cavatt]

You know Jr's defense has fallen off a cliff when Korver blows the game wide open almost single handedly. It makes such a difference when the 2 guard hits wide open shots.

You can watch Korver say that. It was in his postgame interview last night on cavs.com BTW. It was super nonchalant. He was trying to take heat off it. Looks worse on paper than when you watch, but that is just my opinion. He doesn't think he is going to start long term. Maybe he should though.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

You know Jr's defense has fallen off a cliff when Korver blows the game wide open almost single handedly. It makes such a difference when the 2 guard hits wide open shots.

You can watch Korver say that. It was in his postgame interview last night on cavs.com BTW. It was super nonchalant. He was trying to take heat off it. Looks worse on paper than when you watch, but that is just my opinion. He doesn't think he is going to start long term. Maybe he should though.

He wasn't able to start last year because he got crushed on defense the few games he did. Pointing out that Korver's a year older but that much better than JR just illustrates how bad JR has become.

He get his head on straight for a few games, then reverts to shitty JR. Don't know if it's because he's blowing blunts sometimes or what, but he simply is not reliable

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

He wasn't able to start last year because he got crushed on defense the few games he did. Pointing out that Korver's a year older but that much better than JR just illustrates how bad JR has become.

He get his head on straight for a few games, then reverts to shitty JR. Don't know if it's because he's blowing blunts sometimes or what, but he simply is not reliable

Korver wasn't good defensively last year on the Cavs, but he has been much much better this year.

I really think he should start long term.

 

[gaitano]

He wasn't able to start last year because he got crushed on defense the few games he did. Pointing out that Korver's a year older but that much better than JR just illustrates how bad JR has become.

He get his head on straight for a few games, then reverts to shitty JR. Don't know if it's because he's blowing blunts sometimes or what, but he simply is not reliable

I can sympathize with Lue's loyalty to JR Swish, problem is that dude hardly ever shows up anymore. We saw a momentary flash last night when he hit that crazy falling out-of-bounds three from the corner. Maybe coming off of the bench will bring back the real JR, Cavs need him to show up consistently.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

I can sympathize with Lue's loyalty to JR Swish, problem is that dude hardly ever shows up anymore. We saw a momentary flash last night when he hit that crazy falling out-of-bounds three from the corner. Maybe coming off of the bench will bring back the real JR, Cavs need him to show up consistently.

Organizations should be "loyal" to a player in the sense of providing support and consideration for personal issues. Someone who has served the organization for a long time can be rewarded at the end with some other job within the franchise, etc..

But I don't believe for a second in "loyalty" in terms of playing time or role. That should be a ruthless meritocracy, where the only thing that determines how much time you get on the court is what you are currently able to contribute. Anything less is a disservice to every other guy out there playing his best to win a game.

 

[gaitano]

A couple of tidbits from Jason LLoyd:

...
6. Smith seemed to take exception to the fact Lue texted him to inform him rather than tell him in person. He told ESPN, “I’m not upset about it. I just wish there would have been more dialogue, I guess.”

7. But a number of players can attest to the fact that Lue often communicates with players through texts, especially regarding decisions like this. That way there is no dispute later and no “he said/he said” moments. Everything is documented.
...

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

A couple of tidbits from Jason LLoyd:

Thing is, if you're really concerned about "he said/she said", there is absolutely no reason you can't tell a guy to his face, then follow up with a text.

But more importantly, he said/she said situations about about how third parties might judge a situation. It's not about the two people actually in the conversation, because they know what was said. If Lue really is worried about a player lying about/mischaracterizing what he said as the coach, then that's a much bigger problem.

So I'm not buying the he said/she said as the excuse. I think it's just that he doesn't like giving players negative news to their face.

 

[gaitano]

I can't disagree with your last two posts. In the case of Lloyd's report, it might be the case of having to tell one sweet-sounding lie to keep the source spigot open.

As for Lue starting JR far past his expiration date this season, it is an irrational and emotional response to keep starting the guy when it is clear his case is far beyond a mere slump and deep into suckitude.

I like JR too, so I can understand Lue's feelings, but as a coaching decision I agree it must be meritocracy, to the extent that chemistry allows. For example, pure meritocracy would have the Cavs keeping Wade over Marcus Thornton, but chemistry and emotion were the overriding factors in the decision to trade him for virtually nothing.

As for chemistry between JR and LeBron, if that was a consideration earlier in the season, it seems it is no longer a factor now.

 

[Ethan]

Texting is the easiest way to avoid direct confrontation. You dont have to stand your ground and look the person in the eye. Its a weak move. You can hear how passive Lue is every time he talks. It annoys me. Hes not a leader, but lebron probably doesnt want an alpha personality coaching him anyway.

 

[Cavatt]

He wasn't able to start last year because he got crushed on defense the few games he did. Pointing out that Korver's a year older but that much better than JR just illustrates how bad JR has become.

He get his head on straight for a few games, then reverts to shitty JR. Don't know if it's because he's blowing blunts sometimes or what, but he simply is not reliable

Some of us wanted him to start last year. He had never been good on super quick guards and I wouldn't want him on Harden for instance, but I believe last night was only his 2nd start for the Cavs ever.

Always good with his rotations and effort, but he didn't have a ton of time to get acclimated last year either.

It will be interesting to see what happens against the blazers.

 

[gaitano]

Supposedly Cavs will be working Hood back on limited minutes, eventually back into the starting role, while they also want to limit Kyle's minutes as well so he is fresh for the playoffs. I agree, seeing how Kyle holds up against the hot Blazers w/Lillard and McCollum will be a big test. His detractors say he is a choker but that is based on a limited sample from last year's finals for the most part, and the rest from the Cavs destroying the Hawks in the previous two playoffs, one in which he was injured when he got out-hustled by a diving Delly. Cavs need to shake off the shitfests against playoff contenders and pull out a win tonight. I'll be watching LeBron early to see if he is engaged.

 

[CavzAddict]

im tired of wildcard Jr. u NEVER know what ur gonna get from him. its very frustrating. he should have been benched. should have been traded actually but nobody wants him.

 

[Jscc]

A couple of tidbits from Jason LLoyd:

Very inspiring.

Someone who fosters that kind of environment isn't someone i'd want to play for.

 

[bee-eazy13]

Wish he would go all joakim Noah get caught violating the nba anti drug policy so he can get suspended for a bit. But Would have to get busted 4x to receive a 10 game suspension I believe .

Though if anyone on this team would be caught that many times smoking weed...

 

[mrWalrus]

This guy earns money by playing basketball in the NBA. Unreal.