NBA: Underperformers and overachievers for Week 20
Underperformer: J.R. Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers
Now that the dust has settled, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a new roster and one player still left in the aftermath is shooting guard J.R. Smith. Smith managed to survive the shuffling that took place at the NBA Trade Deadline last month but since then, he’s struggled to find his mojo.
He’s scored in single digits in the Cavaliers’ past three games, averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds on 18.2 percent shooting from the floor and 7.7 percent shooting from the 3-point arc. He’s shooting a combined 4-for-21 (19 percent) from 3 since the All-Star Break ended.
Smith is one guy who has flourished in Cleveland but in the past few seasons, his numbers have continued to decline. In 2016-17, he averaged 8.6 points per game. This season, he’s averaging 8.3 points per game. He’s shooting 36.3 percent from 3-point range this season, though, which is up from last season’s average of 35.1 percent.
Next: 2017-18 Week 20 NBA Power Rankings
Smith is slumping and it’s starting to have a negative effect on the court. If the Cavaliers want to have a chance at an NBA championship this year, getting him playing well is a step in the right direction.