If you thought J.R. Smith was going to sweat Dwyane Wade’s arrival, think again.
In typical J.R. Smith fashion, the outgoing Cavaliers guard expressed his view on the Dwyane Wade situation to the media. Smith, who is set to directly compete with Wade for the starting shooting guard spot, believes that Wade’s arrival is great for the team. However, Smith says that he will not get into a ‘pipe measuring contest’ with the newly acquired superstar.
Furthermore, Smith added that he would not win that contest. And, from a basketball perspective, he’s quite right. Last season, Smith averaged a mere 8.6 points per game in 29 minutes player. Whereas the 35-year-old Wade, averaged 18.3 in less than one minute more. Not to mention, Wade is an NBA legend. At the end of his career, the only things Smith will likely be remembered for are his silly antics.
Still, Smith is a team player. Since he arrived in ‘The Land’ in 2014 from the Knicks, Smith has seen his selfishness fade away. He’s accepted a bench role for much of his time with the Cavaliers and done what is needed of him in any role. He may have to do the same this year with Wade joining the squad from Chicago. Although Smith has grown close to LeBron James in the offseason, Wade is one of LeBron’s closest friend.
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While it remains uncertain who will start at the two for Cleveland, one thing remains certain; the Cavaliers have depth. Derrick Rose, J.R. Smith (presumably), Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder and Channing Frye… all off the bench. That team might be able to fight for the playoffs in the depleted Eastern Conference, let alone come off the bench. Regardless of who starts at shooting guard, the Cavaliers are looking like a strong pick to win the East, once again, with a potential fourth-straight Cavs-Warriors Finals on the horizon.