J.R. Smith did not participate in Tuesday's practice (Oct. 24) despite reclaiming his position in the Cavs' starting lineup. Currently dealing with a back issue, Smith talked to reporters about the new lineup. He was noticeably inactive during practice with his shoes untied and fresh look according to Cleveland.com. Admitting that he felt relieved by the change in position, his focus right now is what's best for the team.
J.R. Smith comments on the lineup
Meanwhile, Smith also commented on the original lineup, which he saw as something inefficient the first time.
"They looked good on paper, but I just thought our spacing wasn't where it needed to be, especially for guys like Bron and D-Rose," Smith said. He further added that while he's able to cope with such an arrangement, the Cavaliers have always been great with their spacing, something that the team's starting lineup wasn't able to achieve.
J.R. Smith is talking about the Cleveland Cavaliers original starting lineup consisting of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Love, Derrick Rose, and Jae Crowder. Smith has discussed the redundancy of player's positions on the floor. Prior to the start of the new season, he also admits getting frustrated that he was sent to the bench while Dwyane Wade took his place.
Nevertheless, Smith remained cooperative and adjusted himself on the second squad.
During the preseason, when LeBron James was injured, Cavs' coach Tyronn Lue assigned J.R. Smith to replace James, but he opted out saying he needs to familiarize himself with the second unit. Lue proceeded to put in Iman Shumpert to fill James' position.
Smith has served the position of starting shooting guard over the last three seasons of the Cavaliers. Tyronn Lue asked him to fill in the position again after Wade requested to come off the bench on Sunday (Oct. 22).
Cavaliers new starting lineup
With the new lineup, LeBron James slots as the starting point guard and Tristan Thompson as the starting center.
Kevin Love and Jae Crowder will fill in the frontcourt.
With Smith unable to join the Cavs against the Bulls, coach Lue assigned Cedi Osman, 22, to fill his position. The Turkey-based rookie player is said to have been practicing shooting with Kyle Korver on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jose Calderon will also fill in the position of Derrick Rose until he's able to get back after spraining his ankle.
The Cavs are now 3-1 after winning tonight's game against the Chicago Bulls, 119-112. The Cavaliers will face the Brooklyn Nets on October 25, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn NY.
