J.R. Smith defends Melo, Martin amid Karl criticism: 'Y'all helped raise me'

Uncle Swish has a heartfelt message for his friends this holiday season.

When an excerpt from George Karl's forthcoming book emerged earlier this week saying some of his former players don't know how to act like men due to their fatherless upbringing, J.R. Smith called it "sad."

The Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard continued to stick up for his former Denver Nuggets teammates Saturday with a video message to Kenyon Martin, Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Evans, and Allen Iverson.

Smith called them all "great dudes," and that their kids - who he considers his nephews and nieces - know that.

"Don't give (Karl's criticisms any) weight, man," he said. "Y'all are unbelievable people. Y'all turned out just fine. Your mothers did an unbelievable job."

The 31-year-old father of two added: "Y'all helped raise me with my parents, so I appreciate y'all. ... I love y'all."

Merry Swishmas.