J.R. Smith returns after missing 3 months with thumb injury

LeBron James will have another shooter to pass to.

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith made his first appearance since Dec. 20 when he came off the bench in Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons, reports ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Smith suffered a fractured right thumb that was expected to sideline him for 12-14 weeks. Thursday's return puts him on the earlier side of his original timeline. The Cavaliers traded for Kyle Korver to mitigate the loss along the perimeter.

The 31-year-old Smith struggled mightily to start the season, connecting on just 33.7 percent of his field goals. Smith's lengthy track record of dead-eye marksmanship suggests that figure will rebound to his career averages sooner than later.