NBA: Six Unlikely Players That Have Saved Their Team’s Season

J.R. Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers

Before you laugh, hear me out.

With all the dysfunction that has flooded the Cleveland Cavaliers locker room, one of the constants – between the up and down play of LeBron’s supporting cast – has been J.R. Smith, believe it or not. Smith is on pace to have his best outside shooting numbers since his 2008-09 season with the Denver Nuggets.

He’s shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range, while averaging 12 points for the Cavs. While Kyrie Irving not playing at all this season until December and as Kevin Love continues to try to fit in – and not out – Smith has provided LeBron with some reliability. As crazy as that sounds.

If nothing else, and if he continues to shoot at such a high level – Smith will give LeBron another option to pass out to in the playoffs. And against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, the Cavs – and LeBron – are going to need every weapon they can get.

Next: Boston Crowder