J.R. Smith

Cavaliers' J.R. Smith frustrated about losing starting spot

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith said "absolutely" when asked if he was frustrated upon learning that Dwyane Wade would be the team's starting two-guard this season.

What It Means:

On Monday, coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that the newly-acquired Wade would start at shooting guard over Smith. It was a predictable move and Smith himself said he was "bracing" for it, but Smith still didn't like it. He said, "Was working hard all summer and then coming in and not even really having a chance to earn my spot, but it's alright. It is what it is." On the plus side, Smith said that he likes playing on the second unit, where he figures to be more of a playmaker than sharpshooter this season.

Our metrics like the move. In 2016-17, Wade's -0.7 nERD was far better than Smith's mark of -3.5. Going forward, though, we project Smith for 1,815 minutes, 644 points and 139 threes in his new role in Cleveland.