JR Smith was once again left confused after he sat on the bench for the entire game while the New York Knicks lost to the Charlotte Bobcats. Smith was deemed a healthy scratch one again and now he is lashing out calling the move "ridiculous" while requesting better communication or a trade.
"For [the sneakers] to be the trigger point and for all this to happen is ridiculous," Smith said, via ESPNNewYork.com.
Head coach Mike Woodson was not thrilled at the guards shoelace stunt where he was fined $50,000 for undoing opponents shoelaces at the free throw line. The coach had some strong words for the trouble veteran who cannot seem to avoid drama. After speaking out against Smith's behavior, the guard's punishment appears to be not playing.
"The bottom line is he's got to be more of a pro and do the right things and just concentrate on playing basketball," Woodson said. "That's the name of the game, nothing else. You got to concentrate on your craft and what you're being paid to do -- that's play basketball. ... That's all I want him to do. Bottom line is I expect J.R. to be a pro on and off the court and concentrate on playing basketball and that's all I want him to do."
Smith was left in the dark as to why he did not play on Tuesday night. He told reporters he was not given a reason by Woodson on the matter and was not told about any other punishment besides the fine. Smith said at the end of the day it was simply ridiculous that this continues to carry on.
"I hadn't the slightest clue," Smith said. "I'm just worried about getting better. If I don't play, I go to the weight room or the court to get shots up. I'll figure out what I can do better to help this team and go from there. If I can't help the team, [there's] no point in me being here. You got to take the punches as they come. Communication from my end is over. I'm going to show by my effort."
Smith's situation could get very interesting. In terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the guard is available to be traded on Wednesday. The Knicks have not given any confirmed indication that Smith will be sent packing, but he did sign a contract for more than 120 percent of his 2012-13 salary and the Knicks are currently over the cap. His three-year, $18 million could be used as the ultimate excuse to trade Smith.
Smith has told reporters that he is unsure what his future holds with the New York Knicks. ESPN.com reported the team has grown increasingly frustrated with his one and off the court behavior and will likely start shopping him to interested teams.
