Knicks · Our Championship hopes rest on JR Smiths shoulders (page 2)

jaydh wrote:JR will be held more accountable once Iman is back. If JR continues to struggle, Iman will get his minutes. Also, Amare can make up for the offense in the second unit. We have plenty of options. If Camby can return and improve our rebounding and shot blocking we will be good to go.

And if Ben Wallace can come to the knicks and be their monster PF.

AnubisADL wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:How is JR a better scorer than Tyson? Per 36 min, JR is giving 15 points on 14 shots and Tyson is giving 15 points on 8 shots. I think you're confounding the degree of versatility in the player's production with the actual production of the player. JR is much higher than Tyson in the former but lower in the latter.

LMAO....I spit my water all over the screen...

Day To Day

Since Amar'e Stoudemire's current knee injury was once deemed "day-to-day" and the injury that ended Jeremy Lin's 2011-2012 season was also once "day-to-day," we've been conditioned to fear the worst upon hearing that phrase. For now, though, it seems possible that Melo will miss a game or two (the Cavaliers visit on Saturday, the Rockets next Monday).

Of note, especially considering the possibility of some time off for Anthony: J.R. Smith has quietly busted out of his slump. He'd been shooting dismally to start the month of December, but after a decent outing in Brooklyn, shot 7–14 last night and hit two big, big shots — a pull-up two and a three off the catch — to quell Laker comeback attempts.

Whenever Melo's off the floor, New York needs a guy to create points when the pick-and-roll game falters (which it does at least for a stretch pretty much every night). A rejuvenated Smith could help ward off a slump should Anthony miss time.

- Seth Rosenthal

Nothing is guaranteed.

Killa4luv wrote:Let me just say this: I thought JR Smith was the most important signing of the summer.
JR is an elite athlete. He has STAR potential, and we don't even need him to be a star. We just need his scoring to be more efficient and more consistant. He only has like 4 games where he shot 50% or better and 4 more where he was above 40%. The other 12 he was shooting less than 40%

However, its important to remember that even when he is shooting poorly, he rebounds well, he gets steals, he is sometimes a good passer as well, and can clamp down on defense when we want tighten up.

But if JR can become a consistant 16-18 ppg player, we will be unstoppable.

What we need from JR, are quick decisions, get the rock and slash towards the basket, or get the rock square your shoulders and shoot it. What we dont need is dribble, driobble, dribble, fade away with a hand in your face. But if JR puts it together, and I believe with Woody he will, we r gonna be very difficult to stop. He is a guy with a super high ceiling that has not been realized.

JR is definitely the X factor...When JR is playing good ball the Knicks are head and shoulder above most team...We need his consistent all around play, letting the game come to him...His solid play off the bench had us humming at the beginning of the season...We know what to expect from the other role player...JR playing solid ball provides us with someone who can create their own shot other than Melo...U can't double Melo when JR is on, well u can...JR just need to play calm and under control...

+25

holfresh - watching JR Smith gain composure and poise is one of the best stories of the season. It is not a sudden change but a gradual one which probably started the moment Mike Woodson told him to pull his pants up. Last night, JR had the largest influence on the Knicks point differential. (see above)

Whether the new JR will permanently replace the old JR is worth following. Although he was frustrated not being named a starter, after campaigning for the job, his minutes are coming earlier in the first quarter. Ronnie Brewer is a placeholder.

Shift du Jour

Jason Kidd. calling the signals
JR Smith. learning the joy of winning, the Holzman way
Chris Copeland. once he learns the refs. stand back.
Carmelo. determined
Tyson Chandler. the protector

Four competent ball handlers, all with the ability to improvise off the dribble.

I've always loved J.R Smith's overall game. Had threads over on RealGM calling for J.R to the Knicks while he was in China. Was on cloud nine when J.R signed with the Knicks and also shocked that he extended with us for cheap. Praying to the basketball god's that J.R signs long term with our Knicks while helping us create a potential dynasty.

Even when he takes questionable shot selections, I chalk it up as a fan because I understand how important he's been to our success. He's always giving it his all on the basketball court. The energy he brings to this ball club, on a nightly basis, is by far second to none. The man pretty much throws his body into the line of fire and is ready for whatever. Plays with nothing but pure heart and pride out there. Great teammate. Gets down and dirty on defense. Plays with no fear on the offensive end. Fights for the loose ball. Leads our guards in rebounds per game. And on offense? An outstanding talent full of strong ability. Doesn't turn the ball over. Can knock down the open jumper. Can step back and get wet from beyond the arc. Comes through at the free throw line. Hits the open man. Looks to slash and/or drive to the rim while being able to finish. Always looking for Novak off the bench (he loves Novak as a teammate).

What I love most about J.R Smith? Is how he's one hell of a teammate. Always giving praise and credit to the likes of Melo and his teammates during postgame interviews. Overall, he's one hell of a 6th man off the bench. Although I personally consider J.R a starter for the simple fact only Melo and Felton average more minutes per game when compared to J.R.

Did Somebody Say Joe Johnson?

This is a joke, right? The Nets acquired a six-time all star in Joe Johnson to start at shooting guard, paying him max money. The Knicks grabbed J.R. Smith midseason last year from China, and re-signed him for $2.8 million. So who’s been better?

I mean, it pretty clearly is J.R. Smith.

So far, Smith has been playing nearly starter minutes, better than 32 per game, despite coming off the bench. Johnson is playing just under 39 per game for the Nets. And in that time, Smith is giving the Knicks more than Johnson overall.

There’s a slight edge to Johnson in shooting accuracy, 42.7% to 40.5% overall, 36.8% to 36.1% from three-point range. Of course, Johnson is doing that with the Nets’ first team, while Smith has done so often as the primary, and only, offensive threat on the floor at any given time.

Johnson, accordingly, has an edge in assist percentage, 17% to 13%. (Again, who is Smith finding for easy baskets?) But Smith has doubled Johnson’s rebounding percentage, 8.5 to 4.4 percent. And while Johnson has taken good care of the ball, with a 10.4% turnover rate, Smith has been even better, at 8.9%. That’s good enough for seventh-best in the NBA among guards this season.

Add in the defensive edge from Smith (double the steals, greater ability to guard two guards with his quickness) and the reality of Smith outplaying Johnson becomes clearer. Considering that Smith is a bench weapon, Johnson a starter, the difference in records between the Nets and Knicks starts to make more sense.

The Player Efficiency Ratings? J.R. Smith, 14.3. Joe Johnson, 14.0.

Put another way: Johnson is paid like Carmelo Anthony. Smith’s salary is part of what allows the Knicks to employ Anthony, as well as Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler.

If anything, Smith’s shooting is likely to improve, with both his two and three-point shooting accuracy down from his career norms. The same is true, but to a lesser extent, for Johnson.

Perhaps it is the best way to describe the current state of these two teams, instead of simply looking at the standings, to point out the level of play they are each getting from Smith and Johnson.

- Howard Megdal

Tough Love

One more thing, JR Smith is only 26 years old.

Not many of us have it totally figured out by that age.

Mike Woodson has become a father figure and head coach.

Some stories have happy endings.

NYKMentality wrote:I've always loved J.R Smith's overall game. Had threads over on RealGM calling for J.R to the Knicks while he was in China. Was on cloud nine when J.R signed with the Knicks and also shocked that he extended with us for cheap. Praying to the basketball god's that J.R signs long term with our Knicks while helping us create a potential dynasty.

Even when he takes questionable shot selections, I chalk it up as a fan because I understand how important he's been to our success. He's always giving it his all on the basketball court. The energy he brings to this ball club, on a nightly basis, is by far second to none. The man pretty much throws his body into the line of fire and is ready for whatever. Plays with nothing but pure heart and pride out there. Great teammate. Gets down and dirty on defense. Plays with no fear on the offensive end. Fights for the loose ball. Leads our guards in rebounds per game. And on offense? An outstanding talent full of strong ability. Doesn't turn the ball over. Can knock down the open jumper. Can step back and get wet from beyond the arc. Comes through at the free throw line. Hits the open man. Looks to slash and/or drive to the rim while being able to finish. Always looking for Novak off the bench (he loves Novak as a teammate).

What I love most about J.R Smith? Is how he's one hell of a teammate. Always giving praise and credit to the likes of Melo and his teammates during postgame interviews. Overall, he's one hell of a 6th man off the bench. Although I personally consider J.R a starter for the simple fact only Melo and Felton average more minutes per game when compared to J.R.

Dial the clock back two decades(wow, been that long?) and substitute John Starks name and u have the same energy player with raw talent who leaves it on the floor...It's a pleasure watching the guy try to hone his skills and get control of his game....

holfresh wrote:

NYKMentality wrote:I've always loved J.R Smith's overall game. Had threads over on RealGM calling for J.R to the Knicks while he was in China. Was on cloud nine when J.R signed with the Knicks and also shocked that he extended with us for cheap. Praying to the basketball god's that J.R signs long term with our Knicks while helping us create a potential dynasty.

Even when he takes questionable shot selections, I chalk it up as a fan because I understand how important he's been to our success. He's always giving it his all on the basketball court. The energy he brings to this ball club, on a nightly basis, is by far second to none. The man pretty much throws his body into the line of fire and is ready for whatever. Plays with nothing but pure heart and pride out there. Great teammate. Gets down and dirty on defense. Plays with no fear on the offensive end. Fights for the loose ball. Leads our guards in rebounds per game. And on offense? An outstanding talent full of strong ability. Doesn't turn the ball over. Can knock down the open jumper. Can step back and get wet from beyond the arc. Comes through at the free throw line. Hits the open man. Looks to slash and/or drive to the rim while being able to finish. Always looking for Novak off the bench (he loves Novak as a teammate).

What I love most about J.R Smith? Is how he's one hell of a teammate. Always giving praise and credit to the likes of Melo and his teammates during postgame interviews. Overall, he's one hell of a 6th man off the bench. Although I personally consider J.R a starter for the simple fact only Melo and Felton average more minutes per game when compared to J.R.

Dial the clock back two decades(wow, been that long?) and substitute John Starks name and u have the same energy player with raw talent who leaves it on the floor...It's a pleasure watching the guy try to hone his skills and get control of his game....

Exactly. Starks was a player who captured the hearts of New York City due to his gritty effort on the basketball court. Starks may have been murdered time and time by Jordan, but he showed the heart needed in order to COMPETE against Jordan. I believe MJ also considered Starks the toughest defender he ever faced (or something along those lines). J.R is our Starks, without question. From kicking the ball to always being in the middle of a potential fight... He was just a firecracker. Reminds me so much of J.R. Ewing also had to calm Starks down from time. I believe Tyson Chandler could become the same type of big man needed in order to calm J.R down from time to time.

I started this thread 4 months ago and it didn't get the traction I felt it deserved.

When JR smith is doing what he does, we r a very hard team to beat. NOw that he has been playing at a high level for an extended time I think ppl can more c what I was saying. He has been attacking the basket fiercely and hitting clutch shots. If he plays this way in the playoffs, we have a good shot against anybody because we basically then have 2 stars, a center to anchor the D and decent role players like Ray, JKidd, Priggs, Cope and Kenyon. I believe that puts us on par with Miami.

I think JR is important. He can't have games like he did last year where he's 0-9 from deep. I think Melo needs to be at the top of his game and either Felton or JR have to be making plays. At least one of them needs to step up every game. I think Felton's been saving some energy for the playoffs which is good. If they all play to their best abilities and our defense steps up we are extremely dangerous.

He's just one of many important players. No matter how well he plays, the team won't get anywhere if both K-Mart and Chandler are injured.