Retired since 2020, JR Smith, Chief Trashtalker, has put away his shoes and is peacefully enjoying his life as a young retiree. Recently guest at HoopsHype, Tonton Gérard took the opportunity to look back and talk regarding some important moments in his career: his arrival at the Knicks in 2012, his relationship with Melo and LeBron and the recruitment of Kevin Durant by Golden State during the Cavs-Warriors hegemony. Take your plaid, JR Smith has things to tell you.
Let’s start by talking regarding JR Smith’s move to the Knicks. After four seasons in Denver and a short trip to China (let’s not forget…), he joined Carmelo Anthony and a slew of experienced players in the Big Apple in 2012. Voted best sixth man in 2013, he explains the training he received at the Knicks:
“It’s the only team where we always did everything together. Walking down the street, I see Rasheed Wallace, Jason Kidd, Melo, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton – I grew up watching these guys play, and some of them were my idols, like J- Kidd or Rasheed. I learned a lot hanging out with them. Rasheed, Kurt Thomas and Marcus Camby used to pick on me, especially in the year I finished best sixth man.
They told me there was no way anyone coming off the bench would be better than them. They really instilled that in me. I think that’s what helped me the most for the future, because veterans like them saw my potential and what I might bring to the team. It is largely thanks to them that I obtained the title of sixth man of the year. I worked, but the confidence they gave me every day was remarkable.”
Fed by veterans of the Knicks, JR Smith continues his journey in Cleveland, where he won the title in 2016. Even if the divorce between the player and the Cavs was complicated, JR Swish retains only the best.
“I had a great time in Cleveland. The supporters were great. Winning this title is something that will forever go down in basketball history, but especially in Cleveland history, especially the way we did it. I hated that it ended like this because I feel like it’s the only thing people take away…
We must not forget that we participated in four consecutive finals, while there was a dynasty in Golden State. Then they acquired KD and the situation was different. We also lost Kyrie. The situation had changed. I am grateful for the time I spent in Cleveland. It was a great experience.”
Announced in July 2016, the arrival of Kevin Durant in Golden State caused an uproar in the small world of the NBA. The Warriors have just lost the final by having led 3-1 once morest the Cavs and decide to recruit one of the most dominant players in the league. For JR Smith, it does – always – not work.
“I think it pissed off the whole league a bit. People thought things were going to go wrong but not at all. As soon as he signed everyone knew we were playing for second place. Don’t get me wrong with KD, in the heat of the moment you think you have a chance and you can win, but at the same time you think, ‘What are we supposed to TO DO ?’ You have three future Hall of Famers together. What can we do ?”
Speaking of potential Hall of Famer players, Carmelo Anthony was one of the superstars that accompanied part of JR Smith’s career. He talks regarding his admiration and Melo’s current situation (note: Melo has been desperately looking for a club since leaving the Lakers).
“It’s crazy to see what’s happening to Melo because, for me, he’s always been one of the most talented people I’ve seen play. His talent speaks for itself. When I first saw he was a free agent, had nowhere to go and just sat around – that was two years ago, and we still talk regarding him as an agent free – it’s crazy. He has so much talent. It’s not like he can’t score. He can still do everything and be close to being the best….
When you see things like that, I feel humbled because I was able to play for so long without having a name and being able to accomplish what I did. It makes me grateful.”
An interview where the new retiree delivers without language of wood. Refreshing and very interesting. The full interview is at find it here by clicking on this link. Sacred Uncle Gerard!
Source interview : HoopsHype