August 4, 2008 8:53 PM
Keeping tabs on J.R.
By Aaron J. Lopez
NBA rumors are a way of life, but sometimes common sense must rule. That's why I had to shake my head Monday when I saw a report out of Cleveland saying the Nuggets and Cavaliers are talking about a deal involving young shooting guard J.R. Smith.
The 22-year-old Smith is a restricted free agent, but there is no indication that he and the Nuggets are going to part ways anytime soon. In fact, I've been told by a very reliable source that J.R. is not going anywhere and he could re-sign with Denver within the next 7 to 10 days.
Smith is one of those young players the Nuggets can ill afford to let go. He has had some bumpy times in Denver -- not to mention his home state of New Jersey, where he was the driver in a fatal accident last summer -- but he showed signs of maturity last season and even gained back much of the trust that George Karl had lost in him during the 2007 playoffs. Plus, he can shoot as well as anyone in the league. He made 40 percent of his three-point attempts last season and hit at least six 3s in a game seven times. It might take the rest of his teammates half the season to make that many 3s.
The Nuggets already have extended a one-year, $3.04 qualifying offer to Smith, but it looks like he's going to get some long-term security. The question becomes: How much are the Nuggets willing to commit? Smith told the Rocky Mountain News last month that he hadn't heard from any other teams. It's now up to the Nuggets to determine his market value -- a difficult task when there are no other bidders. Will they give him a multiyear deal starting at the mid-level exception of $5.585 million or can they convince Smith to take a little less? We should know very soon.
August 5, 2008
6:07 AM
InsideHoops.com writes:
It's wild that Smith hasn't even heard from any other teams. I get that most teams wouldn't waste time offering him a deal that they know the Nuggets would match, but still, you'd think some squads would at least reach out to see if they could pull something off.
August 5, 2008
8:42 AM
Richard Greenslade writes:
I think there is a risk that a European team could make an interesting offer for JR Smith, especially if they get the idea that Denver is trying to lowball him. That would certainly get Mark Warkentein's ample posterior into gear.
August 5, 2008
11:48 AM
Amar Panchmatia writes:
The fact that it has not only taken this long into the offseason, but this long since the Camby trade and Smith still has no deal can't be ignored. You probably have great sources, being a beat writer and all, but it's the first week of August and the only news that anyone has heard regarding Smith is a possible trade to the Cavs. I know that nobody has made him an offer yet, but if he was in the least bit pleased with whatever the Nuggets had to offer, he'd be locked up by now.
Instead, he isn't, which has opened eyes. No matter who or what your source is, the Smith situation in Denver isn't nearly as rosy as you're making it out to be. We've seen Deng and Okafor re-signed...THOSE are good situations. But guys like Gordon, Iguodala, and now Smith? I doubt these guys are happy with their organizations.
August 5, 2008
2:19 PM
Jose Meda writes:
NOT surprising that jr hasnt recd offers from others, everybodys scared since the camby trade since it improved nuggets ability to match any offer...only way JR gets out will be via trade.
Signing JR or not, what the nuggets still need is backcourt defense which as of now will be provided by...atkins(5-11" too small), AI(dont think so?, me neither), carter(small but puts effort), JR(no fundamentals) and dahntay(wont play much) are all defensive liabilities.
3 Scenarios to improve team NEEDS:
1.Kenyon/Nene, Atkins, 1st/2nd rnd pick for Hinrich, Gooden
2.Kenyon/Nene, Hunter/Atkins, Kleiza, 11st/2nd rnd pick for Billups, McDyess, any scum bag to match salaries
3.Atkins, Hunter, Kleiza, 1st/2nd rnd pick for Jamal Tinsley and Danny Granger
We unload a couple of big contracts KMart/Nene for another one Hinrich/Billups but overall should save us some money except the 3rd scenario with Tinsley owed 3 yrs
also...after this please sign Cisco Elson back to have another injury insurance!!!
What does everybody think???
August 5, 2008
5:39 PM
Hondo17 writes:
I guess I don’t understand why this rumor is lacking “common sense” or why you would “shake your head”. In a vacuum I could see this not making too much sense. However the Nuggets basically gave away Marcus Camby in which could only be classified as a financial decision. Why would it be completely out of the question for a team looking for financial flexibility to be hesitant to give out a 4 or 5 year deal at the full mid-level and look to make a move?
August 5, 2008
10:03 PM
Reza writes:
Jose all 3 of those trades are horrible ideas, if we pulled off any we wouldn't be left with a center or a power forward
August 5, 2008
10:17 PM
Jose Meda writes:
Fabricio Oberto and Kendrick Perkins have been the starting centers for the past 2 yrs championship teams, would I give a center for a good point guard? anyday, in todays NBA the point is the most important position and a guy with good shooting range, great court vision and excellent defense like hinrich and billups is what we need for now and the future
Also you have to surrender some talent from the current roster or you think other teams are getting training from nuggets management on how to trade an all star for nothing?
August 5, 2008
10:38 PM
Brandon Hoffman writes:
It’s one thing to let go of an overrated DPOY, but the Nuggets cannot afford to lose J.R. Smith. I love Monta Ellis and Andre Iguodola’s games, but I’d take Smith over either one of those players.