ESPN.com: Pacers Express Interest In J.R. Smith

by Tom Lewis on Feb 14, 2012 10:30 AM EST in Indiana Pacers News

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: J.R. Smith #5 of the Denver Nuggets pulls up from three-point range against James Harden #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, the Indiana Pacers are among the teams interested in signing free agent swingman J.R. Smith.

One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that the Indiana Pacers -- who possess more salary-cap space to spend than any other team in the league at present -- and the Minnesota Timberwolves have expressed interest in Smith.

Smith has been playing in China but is expected to return to the United States this week and is ready to join an NBA roster. The Pacers would need to look past a Smith's sketchy behavioral history that has often overshadowed the dynamic game he has to offer which would give the Pacers a significant boost off the bench. The guy puts the jump in jump shot and can heat things up in a hurry.

Any risks associated with Smith don't seem to phase former teammates as both Chris Paul, Smith's teammate in New Orleans, and Carmelo Anthony, running mate in Denver, are recruiting Smith to join them with the Cilppers and Knicks, respectively.

If those recruiting efforts prove true, the Pacers will only have the advantage of being able to outbid the league for Smith's services. But as usual, every players has a palatable price so in the end the Pacers may not be willing to make a big enough offer to lure Smith away from his buds.

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Comments

Make him a one year deal for as much money as it takes. The one thing we really need is someone who can score at will off the bench. I think J.R. is the only guy available right now that can provide this. Especially with our recent losing streak this needs to happen.

by ThirtyOne on Feb 14, 2012 11:01 AM EST reply actions

Considering that Pritchard was at the Magic/Twolves game last night scouting (which I realize is quite common) maybe we are thinking about a sign and trade with JR. Doesn’t a Smith for Beasely swap sound fair, especially if Minnesota doesn’t think they can resign Beasely this summer. Is it just me or could two psychiatrists say that same sentence and it sound completely normal?

by hilliard on Feb 14, 2012 11:51 AM EST reply actions

Sign and trade JR. Interesting. Not sure how’d that work.

Sign and trade JR
Hans

for
Derrick Williams

haha Why yes, I love to dream.

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Feb 14, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

Pacers throw in a pick too. Kahn loooooooves picks.

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Feb 14, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

Guess you can only sign and trade your own players. Too bad.

by hilliard on Feb 14, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions

JR Smith will sign with the Clips. C’mon.

Maybe we can do a deal with the Wolves get Williams/Beasley. They have too many forwards.

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Feb 14, 2012 11:58 AM EST reply actions

I hope they put serious thought into this. JR Smith could be the difference between just competing in the first round of the playoffs and actually getting to the second round. I would take my chances on him. A strong veteran presence and coaches may do him wonders.

by HoosierGM on Feb 14, 2012 12:25 PM EST reply actions

Pacers can offer more money, but he’d come off the bench and get about 20min/game? That would only hurt his value going into next season.

Dude would get paid less on the Clips, but he’d start and get plenty of minutes to try and increase his value for next year.

I just don’t see it happening.

Bird better be working the phones for a trade though. This team needs some help.

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Feb 14, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

maybe he's a Pacers starter.

I mean I can really imagine a rotation with Smith as the SG. then we have George and Hill as our rotation 1/2 and 3. if Smith doesn’t start well we’ve got the good answer with ether one.
we’ve got almost a perfect rotation at 1/2/3 size, athletism, shooting, small lineup, big lineup etc.

by cedric_A on Feb 14, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Ugh

I guess if it’s just till the end of the year and they’re gambling he helps out of sheer motivation to prove himself to the rest of the field for next summer, he’s worth the risk. I just don’t want this team’s psyche, which seemed fragile last year even after the JOB firing, to crumble due to some cancerous d-bag’s shenanigans.

"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"

Now writing pro bono for alwaysmillertime.com

by LukeNukem on Feb 14, 2012 12:45 PM EST reply actions

I hope not

Haven’t we had enough thuggery with Tinsley and Steven Jackson, etc? This guy is a self proclaimed member of the bloods and I wouldn’t want him on the team. Plus, he’s going to sign with the Clippers. It’s a slow news day.

by BieberFever on Feb 14, 2012 1:22 PM EST reply actions

I had completely forgotten about the bloods thing

Steven Jackson was also (not so loosely) associated with them. I don’t think it’s all that big of a deal, given that he’s never gotten into any serious trouble (besides the reckless driving that accidentally killed his best friend…guilt+the short prison sentence=punishment enough). But it’s one more red flag…no pun intended.

"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"

Now writing pro bono for alwaysmillertime.com

by LukeNukem on Feb 14, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

Your user name is hilarious.

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Feb 14, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks, Brah

by BieberFever on Feb 14, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

Didnt know he was or is a Gansta

Its my job to remove these animals from the streets and now my team is signing one…and i have been pushing for it???!!! Looks like I didnt do my homework on Smith. Let West keep him in line then we make a sign and trade after the season.

***Forever Grunge...Man!***
MAN, DON'T START WITCHA BULLS%%T THIS MORNING!!!

by rockguyinindy on Feb 14, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think it's proven he's a Blood

He has been linked to gang-related lingo on his Twitter page in the past, and has been seen throwing signs up during games, but they were generic in nature, to my knowledge. I don’t possess the gang knowledge that you probably have as an officer, but in my line of work I see a lot of it, and most of it (at least in Indy…can’t speak for where JR is from) is all talk; these kids aren’t really in gangs, they just know people who are, or grew up around that stuff. The fact that Smith graduated high school cuts the likelihood that he’s an active banger down by a significant degree. That said, even if he’s not in one, the mere fact that he’s representing himself that way is enough to turn me off from him. But then I always thought he was a knucklehead anyway.

"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"

Now writing pro bono for alwaysmillertime.com

by LukeNukem on Feb 14, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions