J.R. Smith has been an integral part of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but recently, he learned that his starting spot had just been given away shortly after he was informed that he will retain it. In an episode of the "Road Trippin'" podcast, Smith said the situation escalated so fast that before he could figure out what was happening, he's already in the second unit and Dwyane Wade is part of the first. He was obviously taken aback after he was primarily told that Wade was being taken as a backup.
Honest admission from Smith
"Honestly, I was hurt, man.
I was really emotionally drained at that point. I got wind of it that it was going to go down, but I didn't know. I was told he's going to be great for the second unit," Smith said. But when he was told about Dwyane Wade's position in the team, he can't help but feel shady about the deal. Of course, Wade is too valuable to ever become a backup, but Smith ignored these thoughts and went on to work even harder during the summer.
On media day, J.R. Smith said he didn't care about Dwyane Wade getting the post as long as they win. That much is true, but for someone who has been part of the team and played exceptional minutes on the floor, he deserves the first unit. Smith mentioned how he did well in his position, mentioning the three consecutive years the Cavs spent in the finals.
So what could go wrong? Smith then admits to his time in New York when he played the position of the sixth man. He didn't mind the shooting and staying aggressive but he's also great in spreading the floor.
Cavs lineup confirmation
J.R. Smith confirmed he also received a message saying, "Well, we got to start him," pertaining to Dwyane Wade.
He took this as an offense after he was initially guaranteed the first unit. But more than his personal concern is the kind of lineup that the Cavs is getting. He mentioned Kevin Love and Jae Crowder as two great 3-pointer shooters and how the system will work to stretch the floor.
Lue has planned on starting J.R. Smith against the Orlando Magic and as a substitute to LeBron James, but he opted out.
Apparently, he requested Lue to come off the bench just so he could start familiarizing himself with the second unit. Iman Shumpert took his place after Lue agreed to Smith's request.
Dwyane Wade said he understands J.R. Smith after all the work he put through during the last three years. He also wants to establish a good relationship with Smith, but he's not rushing at the moment. "My biggest thing is to try to build a relationship with him," Wade said. Wade, on the other hand, also wants Smith to recognize what he can bring to the table in order for the Cavs to win the championship.
