J.R. Smith Injury: Updates on Knicks Star's Heel and Return
J.R. Smith missed the New York Knicks' game against the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 10 with a heel injury and has been out of action ever since. Smith has since said he's been cleared to return.
Continue for updates.
Smith Says He's Cleared to Play, Listed as Active
Wednesday, Dec. 31
J.R. Smith posted on his Instagram account, revealing he's been cleared to play after injuring his heel:
The Knicks later confirmed the news:
Smith Misses Multiple Games
Sunday, Dec. 28
JR Smith missed his ninth straight game today after being officially ruled out against the Blazers, Al Iannazzone of Newsday announced.
It remains to be seen when he will return, but Smith posted a message on Instagram expressing his disappointing in being unable to play on Christmas Day:
Smith Diagnosed With Heel Injury, Undergoes X-Rays
Wednesday, Dec. 10
ESPN's Ian Begley reported Smith had x-rays after the Knicks' game on Wednesday, which the Knicks ruled him out of prior to the tip:
One of the more polarizing players in the league (per Steve Serby of the New York Post, Phil Jackson compared him to the always-eccentric Dennis Rodman), Smith has been inconsistent to start the season.
Playing mostly his normal sixth-man role, he is averaging just 10.3 points in 25.1 minutes per game. His points-per-36-minutes average (14.8), true-shooting percentage (49.1) and player efficiency rating (11.6) are all the lowest since he joined the Knicks three seasons ago.
