J.R. Smith on the Triangle Offense: 'It's almost too much thinking'
J.R. Smith said the Triangle Offense was 'almost too much thinking' and that it was like walking on eggshells in Madison Square Garden this year.
By
Zach Harper
•
2 min read
The Triangle Offense is thought to be a complicated offensive system that is all about reading the defense and reacting to find the best team shot. Former New York Knicks' guard and current Cleveland Cavaliers' reserve J.R. Smith is on record of being a bit of a gunner on the court and saying, "when it doubt, shoot the ball." It's not surprise that Smith may not have flourished or completely bought in to the Triangle Offense when he was on the Knicks and being coached by Derek Fisher this season.
After being traded to the Cavs, Smith told the New York Post he's really happy with the Cavs and doesn't have to figure out the Triangle anymore. His reason? He said the offense was "almost too much thinking" out there. He also said being in Madison Square Garden this season was like walking on eggshells.
Figuring out the triangle is no longer his problem and J.R. Smith couldn’t be happier.
“It’s almost too much thinking,’’ Smith told The Post Wednesday night before the slumping, LeBron James-less Cavaliers were rocked by the Rockets, 105-93, Smith’s first game as a Cavalier. He missed all five shots he took.
But at least he isn’t a Knick any longer, where the vibe at the Garden was troublesome.
“Everybody in the building was pretty much walking on eggshells so it was kind of hard to prosper in that way, especially when you are not accustomed to it,’’ Smith said. “But eventually I’m sure they’ll get it right.’’
After being a key weapon for the Knicks in 2012-13 when they won 54 games, Smith has struggled mightily. He had surgery and a suspension that really hurt his conditioning last season. He shot the ball fine enough, making nearly 40.0 percent of his 3-pointers and shooting 41.5 percent from the field. But he didn't have any impact on a bad Knicks team and the struggles of the team and his play became worse this season.
Before being traded to the Cavs this week, Smith was averaging 10.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 25.8 minutes. The scoring averages was his lowest in 10 seasons and his 40.2 percent from the field is his worse shooting percentage since his second season, as well.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Derek Fisher both defended their method of using the Triangle and trying to teach the team how to get better at it. Smith did say that he thinks it will ultimately work but recognized the Knicks need the right personnel for it. It isn't a system he's comfortable in and the Knicks obviously need an overhaul with their roster in order to become successful.
(H/T - the Triangle Offense, funny enough)
