Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Media Day 2016-17
1. J.R. Smith Still Hasn’t Re-Signed
Where art thou, J.R. Smith?
Training camp began on Tuesday for the Cavaliers and J.R. Smith still has yet to re-sign. In one of my earlier articles, I mentioned how Smith switched agents and signed with Rich Paul.
Paul was responsible for the holdouts of Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson last season. It ended with both of them getting the years and money they commanded.
General manager David Griffin mentioned how the team has offered Smith “an incredibly competitive and aggressive offer.”
He is seeking around $15 million annually, but the Cavs have the highest payroll in the NBA and not much under the salary cap to currently offer. A contract that high is unlikely.
#Cavs David Griffin says the team has made an aggressive offer in an attempt to re-sign J.R. Smith: "We think very highly of him"
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) September 26, 2016
The offer by Griffin is unknown, but it’s likely close to half what Smith is seeking and not as many years. Smith is important to the offense. His shooting and underrated defense is needed. He shot 40 percent from three-point range, which is his second career-high in that statistic.
The highest on the team was Matthew Dellavedova at 41 percent (among players who appeared in at least 70 games).
If Smith’s holdout is prolonged, Iman Shumpert would be the starter. Shumpert brings the energy and defensive prowess for the team, but it’s no substitute for everything Smith can do and what he means to the team.
A deal should be reached before the first game of the regular season — at least that’s how it’s previously been with Paul clients.
It might take him a while to realize his role within the offense, and his spots on the floor, but having him back on the team will be huge for the Cavs’ psyche moving forward.