NBA Rumors: Disgruntled Swingman Shuns China, Waits For Call

JR Smith remains quietly waiting in the sidelines although he is getting offers abroad. In fact, the 33-year-old was reportedly offered $1.6 million to play for the Jiangsu Dragons. Unfortunately, the swingman prefers to wait on NBA teams first.

Sources tell Sportando that Smith turned down the offer from the Chinese team. He was the top choice at the guard position for the ballclub, a chance for him to recompose himself and potentially line him up for a future NBA stint. It appears the former champion believes he can make any team by waiting, shunning the offer. The development comes on the same day when Jeremy Lin agreed to play for the Beijing Ducks. Much of that was covered in a previous post.

Smith now plays the waiting game, hoping that some team will give him a shot. He was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers recently and sat out most of the 2018-19 NBA season. He has been linked to several ballclubs but none have come forward to even offer him a deal. Smith holds career averages of 12.6 points and 3.2 rebounds and norms 41.9 from the field and 37.4 from rainbow country.

Smith joins a lot of notable free agents in waiting. Carmelo Anthony is another player waiting for a call-up, another swingman that could provide instant offense to any team. One thing that Smith and Anthony have to realize is that they are no longer as young as before. Smith is 33 while Anthony is 35. With plenty of young stars playing their positions, considering an overseas stint may eventually sink in.

Proving that he can shoot and defend at the same time makes Smith a curious choice for teams in need of a 3-and-D player. He is an effective player for as long as he keeps his mind in the game. He has had his share of mental lapses, including that controversial error he made for the Cavs against the Golden State Warriors in during the 2017-18 NBA Finals.

Smith wants to play with a team that wants to win. With the Cavs, he lashed out at the tanking strategy and wanted out. With choices dwindling, that requirement will be up in the air. The best he can hope for is an NBA minimum and likely a player who will get short minutes coming off the bench.