Three days after returning to the rotation for the New York Knicks after a DNP-CD the game before, J.R. Smith once again was not put into the game by Mike Woodson Tuesday vs. the Bobcats. Smith's benching came after he was warned by the NBA not to untie anyone else's shoelaces again at the free throw line, then he went and did it again, prompting a fine from the league. He missed the Knicks' win over the Heat, then returned and played well vs. the Sixers and Suns in wins for New York.
But in Charlotte, Smith once again was a healthy scratch.
So why didn't Smith play? Well...
And we are back again - Woodson refused to talk about JR
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) January 15, 2014
OK, then, so what does Smith say about the whole thing?
JR said no idea what's going on - and just try to get through it.
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) January 15, 2014
Carmelo and Tyson also echo J.R. sentiment - no idea what's going on. This can't be a good team-building experience I imagine.
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) January 15, 2014
J.R. on what's going on: Honestly I don’t know. Take it every day, day by day and figure out what I can do to help the team. ...
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) January 15, 2014
J.R. continued: If I’m not helping the team, there’s no point in me being here.
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) January 15, 2014
And the best part:
JR also said "Communication from my end is over."
— Jared Dubin (@JADubin5) January 15, 2014
Wow. Over the weekend, Smith told reporters he'd really learned from the experience and grew up.
Maybe something happened, maybe not. Maybe there's a trade coming, maybe not. But either way, the Knicks' drama continues, even as the team seems to be playing better overall.
The Knicks lost to the Bobcats 108-98 Tuesday.
