”Huge apologies to my team, to the league an [sic] most of all you the fans! #JRSmithSigningOff “ -JR Smith @TheRealJRSmith 8 Jan
Last year, JR Smith won the 6th man of the year award. He took better shots, made better decisions and turned into a major crowd favorite. During the prior season, Smith played partially in China and returned a changed man. However starting in the playoffs it appeared that the old JR was back. He was suspended in the playoffs and shot poorly for the rest of 2013.
He then was embroiled in a mini controversy of untying players shoelaces during games. He did this against Houston, against Dallas and he attempted to do it against Detroit. He was fined 50,000 for his actions. The fine was a good thing because I’m always in favor of idiot taxes. It’s one thing to do a dumb thing, but to do it again after the league warned you against is profoundly stupid and he deserves the fine. He also received a DNP-CD (Did Not Play- Coaches Decision) in the following game. In his return, he played and shot exceptionally well.
JR Smith is a fascinating study for knuckleheads in the league. Players like Michael Beasley and DeMarcus Cousins have a ton of talent but are knuckleheads. Putting good leadership around them is helpful. Dennis Rodman, North Korean mediator, former Bulls/Pistons/Spurs/Mavericks player was in this position. When he went to the Bulls, Rodman wasn’t a saint, but his talent/distraction ratio was maximized, partially because his coach and teammates were good leaders. Smith needs a situation like this to succeed.
Nationally Televised Games (All Times EST)
Monday
Washington at Chicago NBATV 8PM
Last week, Chicago traded away their best active player for a future Sacramento pick, a couple of second round picks and the ability to waive Andrew Bynum (and gain the resulting cap space). This means that the Chicago Bulls have officially placed their hat in the ring of the 2014 draft sweepstakes. It's disappointing because, while it's the best decision for the Bulls, the Bulls are universally respected as a team. It's a major disappointment to have them out of the playoff race. However, with Derrick Rose out for yet another season, Mirotic coming as soon as next year, and a pretty big free agency
Washington is a better than mediocre team who has benefited from the East's collapse.
Tuesday
Sacramento at Indiana NBATV 7PM
Tuesdays have the NBA Fan Night Vote. The fans vote for which team they want to watch on Tuesday. The options this week were weak. NYK @ Charlotte, CLE @ LAL and the winner SAC @ IND. I haven't watched the Bobcats much this year and I was looking forward to watching them. I even would have tolerated some Cleveland basketball to see what Irving and Deng look like together. Instead, we're subjected to Indianapolis beating the Kings. Hopefully I'll be wrong but I might have to take the night off.
Wednesday
Utah at San Antonio ESPN 8PM
Utah really disappointed me this year. I expected more out of the Favors/Kanter combo and that's worked out horribly. I figured they'd be bad but fun to watch, but they haven't even been that.
Denver at Golden State ESPN 1030PM
Every time I say "told you so" about Denver, they start winning again. I still maintain that they'll be out of the playoffs, but Denver is frustrating. Meanwhile, Igoudala improves the Warriors so much. Denver misses him.
Thursday
Brooklyn versus Atlanta (London) NBATV 3PM
I've been steadfast about the Hawks being a playoff team. So far this year, it has been easy on this side of the argument. However, the Hawks have struggled with the Horford injury. More importantly, this game is in London which is nice, because unlike American football (sorry, Roger Goodell) basketball is absolutely a global sport. It's a sport that should be played outside of the US occasionally.
New York at Indiana TNT 7PM
New York has looked good since Melo has returned, beating San Antonio, Dallas and Miami.
Oklahoma City at Houston 930PM
My New Year’s resolution was to limit the amount that I say "I told you so" about Houston. That's how much I've been crowing about Houston's lacklusterness. To be fair, Houston isn't exactly a "bad" team. I just didn't think that they will be a title contender which was a controversial take when I said it. One thing that continues to be intriguing about Houston is "What will they do about Asik". Asik has been "injured" for a while, pouting at the end of the bench. It seems that the Rockets want to trade Asik for something. I continue to be intrigued by him, both as a player and as a trade chip. His trade might move the Rockets into the next level.
Friday
LA Clippers at New York 7PM ESPN
The Chris Paul injury is sad, but it hasn't stopped the Clippers from steamrolling their competition.
Golden State at Oklahoma City ESPN 930PM
I like selfish Durant a lot. I always wondered how much scoring he would do if he were wired like Iverson to score at will. Of course, he wouldn't be a better basketball player if he were wired this way, but watching a great scorer do what he does best is always amazing. This is especially true because Westbrook will be back soon, so this only lasts a short period of time.
Saturday
LA Clippers at Indiana NBATV 7PM
Lance Stephenson of the Pacers probably won’t win Most Improved Player, but this year has been his coming out party for those who haven’t been following his story. He went from top high school recruit, to mediocre college player, to 40th pick in the draft, to his current form as a triple double threat and solid teammate.
There are no nationally televised games on Sunday
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