J.R. Smith, known for his dynamic playing style and sharpshooting ability, began his professional basketball journey straight out of high school. Selected 18th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets, Smith quickly demonstrated his potential as a shooting guard. His early years with the Hornets were marked by flashes of brilliance, as he showcased his athleticism and scoring prowess.
After two seasons in New Orleans, Smith was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2006. It was in Denver where he began to refine his game, becoming a reliable scoring option off the bench. Smith's tenure with the Nuggets was characterized by his ability to provide instant offense, often energizing the team with his three-point shooting and high-flying dunks. During the 2008-2009 season, he played a crucial role in helping the Nuggets reach the Western Conference Finals, where they were ultimately defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2011, Smith took his talents overseas during the NBA lockout, signing with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association. His stint in China was brief but productive, as he led the league in scoring and further honed his skills. Upon returning to the NBA in 2012, Smith joined the New York Knicks, where he continued to thrive as a sixth man. His efforts were recognized in the 2012-2013 season when he was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 18.1 points per game and helping the Knicks secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Smith's career took another turn in 2015 when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Reuniting with former Knicks teammate Iman Shumpert, Smith became an integral part of the Cavaliers' rotation. His three-point shooting and defensive tenacity were instrumental in Cleveland's playoff runs. In 2016, Smith played a vital role in the Cavaliers' historic comeback in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, helping the team secure its first championship in franchise history.
Smith remained with the Cavaliers for several more seasons, continuing to contribute as a veteran presence and a reliable shooter. However, his time in Cleveland was not without controversy. In the 2018 NBA Finals, a critical mistake in Game 1 against the Warriors drew widespread attention and criticism. Despite this, Smith's career in Cleveland was largely positive, as he helped the team reach four consecutive NBA Finals.
In 2020, Smith reunited with LeBron James, signing with the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA bubble season. Although his role was limited, he added depth to the Lakers' roster and contributed to their championship victory, earning his second NBA title.
Throughout his career, J.R.
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