J.R. Smith is quite the enigmatic character.
As we wait on whether he will re-sign with the Cavaliers, we remember all the good and bad from Smith last season. He was a lethal outside shooter, particularly off catch-and-shoot plays. He also wasn’t a great defender, and made some head-scratching decisions.
Smith’s lightning-quick release makes me think of electric Pokemon, and what better comparison than the fastest of electric Pokemon: Electrode?
Smith’s aggression and release ensure he almost always “attacks” (shoots) before his opponent does, and Electrode is the same way. Almost no Pokemon gets off an attack before Electrode, just as no player is getting off a shot if J.R. decides its his turn to shoot.
J.R. Smith shots hurt the opponent, as well. They feel like electric attacks, because they’ll leave a lasting impression on the opposition. It’s bad enough to have to defend LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. When Smith starts hitting his shots, it’s devastating.
In fact, J.R. Smith’s shots are like the attack Thunder. They’re not always accurate, and can sometimes miss in bunches. But when he is hitting, they are some of the most devastating shots in the game. Smith also has unlimited range when he’s on, much like Thunder.
And, of course, the most prominent trait of Electrode is its ability to self-destruct. Electrode can get itself removed from a battle while dealing a physical blow to its opponent. It seems ludicrous to suggest this kind of activity can go on during an NBA game, but, uh… maybe it isn’t?
So, that pretty much locks in Electrode and J.R. Smith as a valid comparison.