JR Smith Can Thrive in the Triangle Offense in New York

by

It’s common for someone to call JR Smith inconsistent, immature, a headache, and things even worse. He has many who hate and constantly criticize him. From poor shot selection to off the court issues, JR is attacked daily with criticism and hate.

Smith matured a lot when he won the 2012-2013 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He started off hot in the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics, until he was ejected and suspended for a game for “elbowing” Jason Terry. It went downhill from there for Smith, who struggled the rest of the playoffs, causing some to accuse him of partying late too much. When the season ended for the New York Knicks, JR Smith needed knee surgery, but it got worse. Smith was suspended again, this time for five games, for violating the NBA’s drug policy.

When Smith returned this season, he struggled. His shot was off, his defense was poor, and overall, his game was sub-par. Whatever the reason, it was clear Smith wasn’t right. As the season continued, Smith was fined $50,000 for untying opponents’ shoelaces. However, things changed. JR finished the season strong, as he shot the ball well, kept out of trouble, and provided a major contribution to the Knicks.

Smith averaged 14.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 32.7 minutes per game in the 2013-2014 season. Though he only shot 41.5 percent from the field, Smith shot 39.4 percent from beyond the three point arc. His 39.4 percent was the third best on the Knicks in three point percentage, only behind Carmelo Anthony and Pablo Prigioni. (Though it’s not exactly related to this article, it’s worth noting that Jose Calderon, acquired by the Knicks in a trade with the Mavericks, ranked 5th in three point percentage in the league. Prigioni ranked second.)

Smith is clearly a great shooter, especially on three pointers. That’s a huge asset in the triangle offense that Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher want to run. Along with the ability to shoot it well from deep, Smith has great range and is athletic. His athleticism helps on drives to the basket and at finishing inside, which will be another asset. With his size (6 foot-6, 220 pounds), shooting and driving ability, and athleticism, Smith is a great fit in the triangle offense that the Knicks plan to install for this upcoming season.

Along with the great fit, Smith will be helped by the leadership now on the team. Phil Jackson will be a major influence on Smith. Jackson, now the Knicks’ team president, won a record 11 NBA Championships as a head coach. He even helped lead Dennis Rodman and Metta World Peace to titles, so he has proven to have a major influential affect on players. Also, the Knicks’ head coach Derek Fisher will help Smith, too. The leadership of Fisher is unquestionable. Like Jason Kidd did a couple of seasons ago, Fisher will help guide Smith and keep him out of trouble. Don’t forget about the leadership of Jose Calderon, either. He is a great teammate who players love to play with. Calderon, expected to be the starting point guard, leads by example, unlike former Knicks’ point guard Raymond Felton.

With Smith being a perfect fit in the triangle offense, which needs shooters like Smith, and the added leadership on the New York Knicks, JR Smith will thrive this upcoming season and be a major factor in the Knicks’ offense. Smith should start at shooting guard, but even if he doesn’t, he can provide a major contribution off the bench. He had his best season of his career in the 2012-2013 season, but that will change, as I predict Smith has a career year in the 2014-2015 season. The Knicks are making lots of changes, but trading JR Smith will not be, and should not be, a change that Phil and company make.

Statistics in this article are via basketball-reference.com and ESPN.go.com.