What Does J.R. Smith Re-Signing Do For Cleveland Cavaliers?
J.R. Smith has finally re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the roster almost complete, what will he bring to the team?
He’s FINALLY back Cleveland Cavaliers fans!
After four months of back-and-forth negotiations, J.R. Smith has re-signed with the Cavaliers. According to NBA.com, the deal is for four years, $57 million. Smith is guaranteed $45 million in the first three years of the deal.
That’s equal to the $15 million a year he originally wanted. It’s safe to say, that Rich Paul “Rosenhaus” did it again. The only factor that I’m surprised about is that he got it done this soon.
With Eric Bledsoe and Tristan Thompson, he took it all the way until the beginning of the regular season. However, this time, he got it done with a week left to spare.
Now that he’s signed, it’s time to for him to get to work. Even though he’s missed the first two weeks of training camp, he’s hoping to play in Columbus on Tuesday in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, which was reported by Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
The way the Cavaliers roster was structured, they only had two three-point threats with Channing Frye and Mike Dunleavy. They’ll now have three, and one of the streakiest with the return of Smith. He was also one of the teams better overall defenders last season.
While it’s still early, one of the most dangerous lineups I can see coach Tyronn Lue potentially going to is with Frye, Dunleavy and Smith. With Frye at the top of the key, and Dunleavy and Smith on the wings, consistent ball movement would make it nearly impossible for opposing defenders to guard them all.
If Smith is covered on his wing, he could pass it to Frye, if he’s covered, he would pass it to Dunleavy, and vice versa until the open man got their shot. It would get even more interesting with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving on the floor with them.
With defenders going for the double-team against them, somebody is guaranteed to be open. It would be a fun lineup and situation to witness.
The re-signing of Smith is great for the organization and Cavaliers fans. But more importantly, it’s good for his teammates. He is one of the most popular players on the team, and a needed personality for the overall morale.
When James is sending subliminal messages through social media about a deal getting done, you know a player has impacted them in a positive way. Even when Smith wasn’t officially signed with the team, he came to Cleveland to be with his teammates and be apart of the special camaraderie.
This team is a family in the truest form; rockstars within the Northeast Ohio community. Proof of this can be seen with them at Progressive Field supporting the Cleveland Indians as they make their run at the World Series since 1997.
David Griffin spoke to NBA.com about how important it was getting Smith back to the team.
"“Bringing J.R. back as part of our core group was a priority for us,” Cavs general manager David Griffin said. “He’s a special part of this family and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that we all can feel good about. We know he can’t wait to get back on the court with his brothers.”"
It just shows what he means to everybody throughout the organization. Without Smith, the season would be great to watch, with him, it will be fun and a joy to see as the Cavaliers go for their second championship.