J.R. Smith is the living, breathing embodiment of the red-100 emoji.
The 29-year-old shooting guard was having an absolutely dreadful season with the New York Knicks in 2014, scoring just 10.9 points per game (three below his career average) on a paltry 40.2 percent shooting.
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Since being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, however, Smith seems positively revitalized, increasing his per-game scoring to 15.2 while also improving his shooting percentage, rebounding numbers, and steals.
To what does Smith credit for his sudden renaissance? In a recent Q&A with David Aldridge of NBA.com, Smith says the lack of a party scene in Cleveland is a major contributor.
"I think this is the best situation for me, [because] there’s nothing but basketball," Smith says. "There’s nothing you expect but basketball. There’s nothing, there’s no going out, there’s no late nights. There’s video games, basketball and basketball."
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"[New York City's nightlife] was kind of pulling me down in a sense, of not getting enough rest, not doing things you’re supposed to be doing, things you’re used to doing ... So I think that’s the greatest part about being here."
If JR Smith really has cut down on his social life to improve his game, kudos to him for that commitment. Perhaps a fellow Cleveland athlete could use a few pointers.
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