NBA Rumors: Will J.R. Smith Be Back in NBA by All-Star Weekend?
J.R. Smith will be the most coveted free agent on the market once he's released from his contract with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, a Chinese team with which he signed during the lockout. What's more, this could happen sooner than expected. Indeed, there's a strong possibility he could be back in the NBA before All-Star Weekend at month's end.
Luke Adams of HoopsRumors.com broke down the details:
"J.R. Smith's Zhejiang Golden Bulls have been mathematically eliminated from the CBA playoff race, according to Jon Pastuszek of NiuBBall.com. This is big news for Smith and teams hoping to sign him, since it means he can be cleared to return to the NBA within a week or two.
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It was originally believed Smith wouldn't be a free agent until after the Chinese Basketball Association playoffs, but now it appears he'll be available not long after the team's final regular season game on Feb. 15.
There are no shortage of teams interested in the former first-round pick. Rotoworld reports no less than five squads have been connected to Smith, including the New York Knicks and both teams from Los Angeles.
Smith is inconsistent and it will probably take some time for him to acclimate himself back to the NBA game after going up against inferior competition in China. However, he'd still be a useful addition to a contending team down the stretch.
This season, more than any in the past, is about depth due to how many games are being played in such a short span of time. Smith will be able to step in and give a team some solid minutes off the bench as the fight for playoff spots begins in earnest after the break.
He averaged 12 points and four rebounds per game for the Denver Nuggets last season, despite playing just 25 minutes per contest. That type of efficiency off the bench is what has teams scrambling to sign him once he becomes available.
The Knicks would seem to be the best fit right now. They still have their $2.5 million mid-level exception available after choosing not to use it during the offseason and can give Smith the playing time he'll be looking for right away.
New York needs a boost as the team sits at 11-15 after a lot of hype before the season. Jeremy Lin is holding down the fort at the point guard position and Smith would provide a boost at shooting guard, which would be like a complete backcourt makeover in a matter of weeks.
Add those guys to a lineup featuring Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire when they return and suddenly the Knicks' outlook isn't looking so gloomy.
It's far from a sure thing, however, since so many teams have entered the Smith sweepstakes. The fact he will reportedly return earlier than anticipated will only boost his value.
Stay tuned.
