J.R. Smith Credits Leaving New York City Night Life for Resurgence in Cleveland
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Jim McIssac/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Since being traded from the New York Knicks to Cleveland Cavaliers, guard J.R. Smith has played much better as of late. According to Smith the reason is because he’s away from the New York City night life.
Smith was averaging 10.9 points per game in 24 games for the Knicks, but he’s averaging 14.0 points per game for the Cavs.
“I think this is the best situation for me, ’cause there’s nothing but basketball,” Smith told NBA.com. “There’s nothing you expect but basketball. There’s nothing, there’s no going out, there’s no late nights. There’s video games, basketball and basketball. So it’s a great thing, ’cause I go back to where I came from.”
“When I grew up, I never, I wasn’t allowed to go out,” he continued. “I missed my prom because I went to an AAU tournament, and all that stuff. For me, it was basketball, basketball, basketball. And then when I got in the situation where I was at an early age, it was more, alright, let me see what this life is about, as opposed to just keep going. So now, I get the chance to get back to my root.”
Smith is in his 11th NBA season.
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