So assuming JR returns this year and we sign Lance, we're going to have a glut of guys at the 2-guard spot; JR, Lance, Shump, Korver, and Liggins (I don't count McRae.)
Do y'all think some consideration will be given to make JR LeBron's backup? I've posited for a while now that if we considered moving JR to the bench, his size and length in addition to his defensive prowess would make him an ideal SF. He'd also provide some reserve ammunition.
Of course this is all also assuming that Shumpert continues to thrive as a starter, but that elusive LeBron backup could already exist on the roster given all the other guys we have to share duties at the 2.
If you missed the FXO broadcast, JR had a gem of a comment during his interview with Fred and AC:
On technical fouls: "Listen, I got 3 kids, I'm saving all of my money. Thanks Mr. Gilbert, appreciate you."
Listening to him praise Kyrie was also pretty cool: "that kid is amazing."
Man, I miss JR.
If when we traded for him you told me that JR would become a wise, respectful veteran who was part of the team's heart then I would've assumed LBJ and Love left, Kyrie got hurt, and we were fighting for a top lottery pick. Absolutely amazing transformation. Gotta love JR.When was the last time you heard any player, without prompting, thanking the owner for his paycheck?
Guy has matured a ton since NY.
I think It has just proven too deadly and too good in the starting lineup to bench him. He's a prototypical SG. He's gives the starting lineup an extra gear that only really the Warriors can match in terms of firepower. Shump has played great and his jumper has been very good and he has filled in very well for JR, but JR being out there gives you 4 guys who could go off for a 20 point quarter at any given moment, 4 guys who can take over two minute stretches with shotmaking(see:Game 7, 3 Rd quarter..First 2 min 30 seconds of the second half...).
Defenses respect the hell out of him as well, and his ability to put it on the floor and finish it at the hoop or make a nice pass is very underrated. It's not gonna carry a team but when you're the 4th option with a deadly jumper, it's a great countermove.
On top of all of that, JR developed into an AWESOME defender, stuck to Klay like glue...And then finally J.R. Has the extra toughness/crazy/enforcer factor and that's something we rally around as a team.
Shumpert will get plenty of time with all kinds of units coming off the bench and with LBJ starting 2nd quarters, Shump will still get plenty of the same quality looks.
I think you have to start JR because if JR I'd hitting shots and defending, that's when we are at our best, IMO.
Didn't I see something that said he was day to day or something?Windhorst said today on his weekly Hey Windy show that the Cavs expect JR back sometime in mid-March. Gotta imagine if there were any setbacks to worry about to this point Windy wouldn't have said that.