J.R. Smith says he was 'hurt' by move to bench
J.R. Smith further expounded his feelings in regards to his demotion to the Cleveland Cavaliers' second unit Friday, saying he was distressed when first told he'd lost his starting spot to Dwyane Wade.
"Honestly, I was hurt, man," Smith said on the "Road Trippin' Podcast" with teammates Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson. "I was really emotionally drained at that point. I got wind of it that it was going to go down, but I didn't know. I was told he's going to be great for the second unit."
Related: J.R. Smith 'absolutely' frustrated to lose starting spot
The Cavs' tune apparently changed quickly after Wade was signed two weeks ago. "'Well, we got to start him,'" Smith said, possibly quoting coach Tyronn Lue. "'Wait, what? Now we're talking about two totally different things. Wait a minute.'"
With all due respect to Smith, and even considering some of the visible declines from the 35-year-old Wade, it was unlikely the latter would be coming off the bench. Wade and James shared terrific on-court chemistry together with the Miami Heat from 2010-14, and Smith's gunner game is better suited for the second unit. He even won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012-13 with the New York Knicks.
Still, Smith said he understands the need to sacrifice.
The Cavs' roster is now overloaded at 16 contracts with only 15 spots, allowing Jefferson himself to poke fun at his precarious status with the team.
"I'm sacrificing my way out of here," the 16-year veteran joked.
-With h/t to ESPN