Sometimes in life, all you need is a fresh start. This age-old adage couldn’t be more applicable than to the circumstance of newly acquired shooting guard J.R. Smith.
Smith’s numbers have increased across the board since signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 12.8 points on 41.4% shooting, all while making a blistering 2.7 three pointers per game.
The negativity and off-court issues seem to have dissipated as Smith’s only concern now is playing basketball. In a recent interview with David Aldridge of ESPN.com, Smith said, “I think this is the best situation for me, ’cause there’s nothing but basketball. There’s nothing you expect but basketball. There’s nothing, there’s no going out, there’s no late nights. There’s video games, basketball and basketball.”
It’s always a feel good story when a player goes to a different team and performs at the level that’s expected of him. It also doesn’t hurt to have LeBron James by your side.
Nonetheless, with a checkered past and spotty off-the-court issues, here are 15 things you probably didn’t know about J.R. Smith.
1. He played five different positions on his high school football team.
Smith attended Lakewood High School, where he played a multitude of positions, being the incredible athlete that he is. He tried his hands at quarterback, wide receiver, safety, cornerback, and linebacker.
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