May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8) reacts to losing to the Indiana Pacers in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The rarely outspoken, never cocky J.R. Smith shared some interesting comments a few days ago, when he answered some questions during a question-and-answer session with kid golfers in Chelsea Piers.
Of. Course. He. Did.
The best part of this whole “thing” – if we’re going to call it that – is it occurred with kid golfers.
The story should end with that, luckily for us, it doesn’t.
Basically, he was asked if he thought the New York Knicks would end their title drought this season, he say he would. This season.
Have you stopped laughing yet?
If so, there’s a second part to that interview.
He was then asked why he joined the Knicks instead of the, then, New Jersey Nets. His answer was simple, precise and almost right. Almost.
“The Nets weren’t good,” Smith said. “Now they’re still not good.”
The first part of that answer from Smith wasn’t that erratic. It’s the second part where he, apparently, just doesn’t get it.
I know you’re going to say “what do you expect him to say” or “that’s the kind of confidence you want from your team”.
BLEH.
He goes on to say much more, here is the most newsworthy blurb form the story in the Post…
"During a question-and-answer session with kid golfers at Chelsea Piers, Smith was asked how sure he was of the Knicks ending their title drought this season.“I’m 100 percent sure,” the swingman said.Smith was then asked why he joined the Knicks over the Nets when he came back from China in February 2012.“The Nets weren’t good,” Smith said. “Now they’re still not good.”There has been much hype this offseason lavished on the Nets after their bold trade with the Celtics to acquire Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, who has been the most outspoken promoter of Brooklyn’s chances in the Eastern Conference.When asked by The Post why he is so confident, Smith said, “I feel comfortable. People ruled us out last year early, too. We added some great pieces. Unfortunately, we got rid of some good pieces. But we added Andrea [Bargnani], Beno [Udrih], Metta [World Peace]. We have to consistently play like we did the first 20 games last year the whole season. We can’t have a middle-of-season lapse. We have to consistently play the same way.”[NY Post]"
Now I really respond…
First of all, J.R. Smith, the Knicks are not “100 percent” going to end their NBA Title drought this year.
Apart from it being mathematically incorrect, I have other reasons why Smith’s guarantee, prediction or comments – whatever you want to call it – won’t happen.
The…
- Miami Heat
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Indiana Pacers
- San Antonio Spurs
- Brooklyn Nets
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Chicago Bulls
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Houston Rockets
- Golden State Warriors
Apart from that, the Knicks honestly don’t have enough, Smith.
Yes, Carmelo Anthony…wait, is that all they have now?
Amar’e Stoudemire is nowhere near close to the Amar’e we came to know during his first year in the Big Apple. He’s now just a bench contributor, if that. Tyson Chandler is a nice defender, but just doesn’t have the offensive repertoire to relieve Anthony.
Raymond Felton? Ha!
Wait, but they signed got Metta World Peace – or whatever he’s going to change his name to next – and Andrea Bargnani. Yes, they have MWP and Bargnani, what’s your point?
Oh, yeah and I forgot the ultimate chucker – Smith himself.
I’ll admit, at times, Smith is a really good player. He’s always in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year.
To make this short, no, the Knicks aren’t going to win the NBA Championship this season, J.R. Not next season, not even the year after. Unless something drastic changes.
But I’m sure the rest of your teammates are going to be splendid that you’re giving the Brooklyn Nets and the rest of the NBA “bulletin board” material for the next time you’re on the court.
While we’re talking about next time’s, the next time you’re talking to reporters or at any significant press appearance or simple “instagram-ing”, let’s keep it logical.
I kn0w it’s not what you stand for or what you’re known for, but for the sake of Knicks fans (I’m not a Knicks fan), this bravado thing is getting old. Especially when you fail to back it up time and time again.
Or specifically, when the Knicks fail to back it up time and time again.
1973.
#knickstape