The 2017 NBA offseason was as captivating as the play on the hardwood. Many teams saw additions change the direction of their franchises. However, Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith admitted on Tuesday to being frustrated at the news of losing his starting position to the newly acquired Dwyane Wade.
"We talked about it,” Smith told Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com on Tuesday, October 10. “It wasn’t the most positive conversation, but we talked about it, and we’ll get through it together.” On Monday, Cavs Coach Tyronn Lue announced his regular season starting lineup, with Wade edging out Smith at shooting guard.
Smith, who has played off the bench during his stints with the Knicks and Nuggets, stated he felt a change was imminent as LeBron James was pushing for Wade to join the team. "Was pretty much bracing myself for it,” Smith said. “[I] was working hard all summer and then coming in and not even really having a chance to earn my spot, but it’s alright. It is what it is.”
However, Smith appears to be making the best of the situation, explaining he enjoys playing off the bench. “I actually like playing on the second unit better," Smith said. “I’m more of a playmaker and distributor, and I handle the ball a little bit more instead of just running to the corner.”
Source: bleacherreport.com
