JR Smith isn’t currently on an NBA roster but there’s no question that he could be an asset to more than a few teams
Seventeen-year NBA veteran, JR Smith, is not listed on any NBA roster at the start of this season. While that is somewhat surprising, there’s no doubt that he’s no longer the same JR Smith that was known for throwing down ridiculously athletic dunks for the Knicks or Nuggets.
However, his ability to get as hot as any player from beyond the arc has not gone anywhere. He is also a very experienced player that could help out any team’s locker room.
So why has he not yet been added by any team in the league?
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Is his nightmare of a mishap in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals still in the back of everyone’s mind? Regardless of that mistake, I can think of a number of teams that could benefit from having JR Smith on their roster.
He has openly stated that he has still been working out and had played pickup all summer long like every other NBA player. So the question is not is he able to compete, but it is who does he fit the best with?
For one, the Philadelphia 76ers could definitely benefit from a shooter like him to come off the bench. The Sixers currently are relying on Furkan Korkmaz as their only shooting guard off the bench. Even Shake Milton saw some minutes in their third game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Overall, one more experienced shooter off the bench could propel them to one of the top three teams in the league undoubtedly.
The Los Angeles Lakers also appear to be in need of shooting. I do not think the group of Jared Dudley, Quinn Cook, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are going to be effective enough for them to compete with other championship rosters. Now, we do remember the last thing that happened when JR was playing with LeBron James. However, they have had plenty of success before and I believe he could help them tremendously.