JR Smith on Celtics: 'I Don't Think They Really Pose a Big Threat to Us'

JR Smith has seen the moves the Boston Celtics made this offseason, but his faith in himself and the Cleveland Cavaliers is unwavering.

"I don't think they really pose a big threat to us," Smith told reporters Monday, a day ahead of the Cavs' season-opening matchup against the Celtics.

Boston added Kyrie Irving via trade from Cleveland and Gordon Hayward in free agency this summer, creating a Big Three with Al Horford. Smith said signing Hayward while losing Avery Bradley's defensive presence was a "wash." The Celtics sent Bradley to the Detroit Pistons to create salary cap room for Hayward in July.

Boston also moved Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic to Cleveland in exchange for Irving, who requested a trade this summer. Irving will make his return to play the Cavaliers on Tuesday in the season opener, where he'll be honored by the team.

"He was a great player when he was here. He helped us win a championship, so I think it'll be great," Smith told reporters of Irving's return.

After starting since his arrival with the Cavaliers in January 2015, Smith will return to a sixth-man role this season after Cleveland signed Dwyane Wade.