As the temporary signings are in a frenzy mode due to the blooming COVID-19 threats this season, J.R. Smith isn’t closing his doors yet for another playing opportunity in the NBA.
Airing his sentiments via Twitter, Smith has expressed his intentions to return into the league.
So since we just giving out 10 days to see who wants to play. I’m still willing and want to play basketball. My phone number hasn’t changed. 🤲🏾
A veteran that suited up in 16 seasons in the NBA, Smith played for five different teams in his career, highlighted by a 2016 magical title with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2020 bubble run with the Los Angeles Lakers. He opted to make his case in the academic field by enrolling at North Carolina A&T State University for the fall semester this year, pursuing Liberal Studies while playing golf for the collegiate team. He delivered heartwarming emotions earlier this month after attaining a 4.0 grade point average in his first semester.
Though age is a liability, no one would deny what Smith can bring to the table. He is a reliable, loaded marksman who can hit long distance shots off the pass. He also has a rich experience and mentor presence he can share in the team’s locker room, partly due to the four-straight finals appearances with the Cavaliers in the last decade from 2015 to 2018.
The 10-day hardship transaction allows the 30 ball clubs to go over their 15-man rotation and sign players in this time of uncertainty due to the pandemic. Per new rules, the player that has been signed via this deal can now be placed in inactive list once the player they replaced has come out from health and safety protocols.
