NBA Rumors: Power Ranking Best Options for JR Smith

JR Smith is arguably one of the most coveted players in the NBA right now, and some of the teams interested in him are much better fits than others. 

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Smith is eligible to return to the league on Feb. 15. Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com reports that the New York Knicks are the favorites to land Smith, but the Clippers are coming on strong as well. 

Those two teams have the best chance at landing Smith, but there were rumblings that the Lakers and the Bulls had interest in Smith as well. 

With that said, it's time to rank the best landing spots for Smith. 

1. Los Angeles Clippers 

The Clippers had an interest in Smith before Chauncey Billups suffered a season-ending knee injury, but Smith's role wouldn't have been very big. 

With Billups out, the Clippers have a great need for a shooting guard, and Smith will definitely provide them with points. 

While his defensive skills may be lacking, Smith makes up for it on the offensive end, especially when playing smart. There are times when he can be selfish, but then again, a lot of NBA shooters are that way. 

Since the Clippers can give him the most minutes and they're already in a good place in the NBA standings, Los Angeles is the best place for Smith. Plus, he'd be able to team up with Kenyon Martin again, and their past team chemistry together would help both thrive for L.A.  

2. New York Knicks 

The emergence of Jeremy Lin puts the Knicks in a tight spot, but there's no denying they need a strong bench to win big in the Eastern Conference, especially with star players being banged up. 

Having played with Carmelo Anthony before, Smith would be welcomed to the team and instantly start helping the Knicks win. 

It doesn't hurt the Knicks' chances either that Carmelo and Smith share the same agent. Although, Chris Paul of the Clippers is represented by Leon Rose as well, so it's uncertain which team has an advantage in this area. 

New York would give Smith good minutes, but his role would be bigger with the Clippers because they need him more. The Knicks are getting their scoring from Lin, and Smith's weak defense certainly wouldn't benefit New York.

The Knicks are still a great option for Smith, but they're still not the best. 

3. Chicago Bulls 

Realistically, the Clippers and the Knicks are the teams with the strongest shot at Smith, but since nothing is truly certain right now, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Smith went with another team. 

Other than those two teams, the Bulls would be Smith's next best bet.

With Richard Hamilton on the sidelines rehabbing for another week, or maybe more, and Derrick Rose out with a hurt back, the Bulls could use a boost. 

It's unlikely, but since Chicago is the top team in the Eastern Conference, it's still a possibility. Playing for the best team in the league does sound very enticing, but the Clippers and the Knicks still remain better options.