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