(Boulder-CO) I don't know about anyone else, but J.R. Smith blowing dunks and prancing around with his hands up after made three's is starting to really wear me out. He blew two in a row against the Grizzlies (one that he was blatantly showboating on) and last night missed another two slams trying to take off from too far away. Now, I've stuck up for J.R. in the past, but his most recent rash of blown dunks seems to have been just enough reason for Coach George Karl to bench him and leave him there. I just don't know why Smith insists on having to be the guy that persists to give George Karl reasons to shake his head. If he played with the mentality of Eduardo Najera or Yakhouba Diawara he would be a big star in this league, but until he realizes that he is the only person standing in his way the situation with Karl and J.R. is going to continue to be what it is: A progression inhibitor. For both J.R. and the Nuggets.
10 comments:
It's easy to rake JR over the coals and I can't say I blame those who do. However, besides the gimme 2 points he blew with the reverse the other day, I can live with all the others.
The man has hops, so we're UPSET he's takin it the the rim hard? Lately he's been getting swatted or not finishing, but a majority of the time you're either scoring or going to the free throw line. I like the fact he keeps going to the hoop. Keep it up JR
you're right, thaanswer, it is easy and the only person to blame for that is J.R. He gives any of his critics a ton of ammunition night-in and night-out to continue disapproving of his game due to it lacking substance-George Karl included. He kind of reminds me of the dunking phenom James White in this regard. (google "James White Nugg Doctor" if you don't know who James White is)
You're also right when you say this man has hops. Sick - turn-away with a stupid look on your face - type hops, but it wouldn't kill him to learn how to finish the play without dunking the ball. Just ask Mike Jordan (he was 6'6" and could jump out of the gym too) because he used to do it all day!
Thanks for reading,
The Nugg Doctor
well recently (I don't remember which game) he went for the jumper from outside, missed it, hustled the ball back in his hands and finished the play with a momentum turning dunk...
I just feel sad for JR. This season he seems totally confused and out of his mind..
It's funny you mention James White. I'm not far away from UC and I'm a huge Bearcats fan. I always liked James White as well. That man has some hops. I think he's playing overseas right now, but I do believe he was on the Spurs roster when they won their championship last year. So atleast he's got a ring!
You're a huge Bearcats fan? I'm a huge Bearcats fan! Oscar Robertson is my favorite player of all time, so naturally...
Thanks for reading,
The Nugg Doctor
I am done with JR. I used to feel bad for him, but I just think he doesnt have the smarts to make it. He is on Coach Karl's s_it list -- and he knows it. He is in the final year of his contract. He should just play hard and play smart -- ala LK.
Those missed dunks could have been very nice and easy layups. He doesnt seem content to just work hard.
And nearly every fast break possession he seems to fumble it, make an errant pass, or somehow screw it up.
He is very immature off the court and even more immature on the court.
My vote is to dump him. Get someone solid.
JR is 22 years old with 4 years of NBA experience. Most 22 yearolds are still in college or rooks. He will mature some day. How old was MJ or Kobe before they matured?
I know JR personally very well and I know how to teach him. He was a good kid in school and has a heart of gold. He's just HAVING FUN in a GAME that is more BUSINESS than FUN. You think he dosen't get it? Would you rather he stop going hard and (PROTECT) his business(HIS BODY IS HIS BUSINESS)? I didn't see anyone say "JR coulda ended his career with that nasty dunk last week" It could have put him "out of business"
He's 22 yo/ with 9+ pts a game. He is above average amongst players of his age in the NBA at his position.
mrd1968,
Care to disclose how you know J.R. personally? Is it in a basketball oriented fashion? Please, email me if you would like to talk more in private.
Thanks for reading,
The Nugg Doctor
yes JR missed 2 dunks but his energy and D helped spur a strong Nuggets run (they were +5 while he was missing dunks). personnally Karl was a fool for pulling him there as this is a team game and as a unit they were playing great. for the most part this is the first year that JR has learned to take it to the rim in a half court set so he's still learning how to finish. Karls attitude clashes with other attitudes, that is as big apart of the problem as JR. its sad to see posts here saying JR should just play hard, i see him on an equal level of effort with his teammates. then another post says he should play with Najera's mentality or Diawara's, why don't we charge Diawara for not shooting or dribbling as well as JR or why doesn't Najera move as quickly...these points of view are silly, as each player comes into the league with certain talents and works to develop themselves and its clear that JR is progressing with his better defensive play, his more aggressive to the rim play and his slight improvement on decision making and he's doing all of this while every finger gets pointed at him because of his flashiness and he has a coach that demands he perform like a 29 year old and to play out of position. we all know how the game goes for the most part and each player has weaknesses and when we get emotionally bothered by something we pick on those players weaknesses. isn't it a better world that yells at the TV for Nahera to run faster and grow 4 inches than to yell at the TV that the 22 year old shooting guard who skipped college and is hated by his coach should be more mature? anyways JR has faults but they weren't missing those 2 dunks.
Hey Nugg DR,
I was JR's teacher from 1995-99.
I agree that he should quit BS showboating. It's alright to slam the ball with style in this league.That's what keeps the fans spending their cash. However, for JR to get a huge contract after this season, he needs to stick to playing hard and keeping his act clean. Otherwise, he'll be the player that moves from franchise to franchise with little notority. On the other hand, if he learns the BUSINESS of the NBA and conforms to the regulations of how things work(ie. be a good guy, give back, play hard so we can sell your shirt, posters, etc.)he'll reap the rewards financially, and possibly become a FRANCHISE PLAYER in stead of a franchise visitor.
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