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MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 14: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies during the game at FedExForum on December 14, 2016 in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 14: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Memphis Grizzlies during the game at FedExForum on December 14, 2016 in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)Joe Robbins/Getty Images

JR Smith Injury: Updates on Cavaliers Star's Recovery from Thumb Surgery

Joseph Zucker
Feb 13, 2017

Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith is reportedly nearing a return to the court following thumb surgery, per ESPN.com's Chris Haynes and Dave McMenamin, but Smith denied he could be back in as little as three weeks.

Continue for updates.

Smith Denies Report on Timeline for Return

Monday, Feb. 13

Smith took to Twitter to comment on the report:

Smith hasn't played since the Cavaliers' 114-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 20.

According to Haynes and McMenamin, he will have his thumb re-examined during this weekend's All-Star break, which could alter his return date.

Cavs Will Need Smith's Shooting in Push for Repeat

Prior to the injury, Smith struggled to find his shooting stroke, connecting on a career-low 33.7 percent of his field-goal attempts. His 36.2 percent rate from beyond the arc is the lowest in his two-and-a-half seasons with the Cavaliers.

There's no question, though, that Cleveland needs Smith back as soon as possible. The Cavs are 4.7 points per 100 possessions better when Smith is on the floor, per NBA.com.

The addition of Kyle Korver on Jan. 7 gave Cleveland another sharpshooter, but the 31-year-old Smith will still be a key piece as the team defends its NBA title this spring.

Who Is Mark Walter?