J.R. Smith on Knicks' triangle offense: 'It's almost too much thinking'
J.R. Smith has another excuse for his poor play in addition to the partially-torn plantar fascia in his left foot: the New York Knicks' style of offense.
Smith, apparently, prefers a more traditionally-run offense.
"It's almost too much thinking," Smith said of the triangle, according to Kevin Kernan of the New York Post.
Smith was part of the team's franchise-worst start before the Knicks shipped him and fellow guard Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal earlier in the week.
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The environment in New York appears toxic, as the Knicks - losers of a franchise-high 14 consecutive games - are in jeopardy of losing star forward Carmelo Anthony for the season and have the worst record in the NBA at 5-34.
But not everyone, at least publicly, agrees with the ex-Knick's comments.
"Everybody has their own opinion," guard Tim Hardaway Jr. said. "We'll continue to use the system and make it work."
Smith, who averaged 10.9 points on 40.2 percent shooting from the field in 24 games with New York, took some parting shots at the team he spent three-plus seasons with.
The swingman believes outside help is needed before the Phil Jackson-led Knicks, under first-year head coach Derek Fisher, can effectively run the triangle offense.
"I think it will work, but the thing about it is that you also have to have the personnel to run that," Smith said. "You've got to have those two legit bigs, you have to have a wing scorer and you have to have a point guard who distributes and who can also score. Once they get the core right, it's got a chance, but they have to get the players.’"
The 6-foot-6 wing, who found it tough to leave New York, is excited about his new opportunity. And after getting a chance to make his Cavaliers debut Wednesday - a poor showing in which he shot 0-of-5 in 18 minutes in Cleveland's third consecutive loss - Smith seems a little happier to be out of New York.
"It's one thing when everything is done the right way, but it's another thing when everything is done the right way for a purpose," he said. "I think everything is being done here for a purpose."
Smith will look to build off his dud when the Cavaliers visit the NBA-best Golden State Warriors to kick off a five-game road trip Friday. Center Timofey Mozgov is expected to make his Cavaliers debut in the contest.
The Knicks, meanwhile, aren't up again until Saturday when they host the Charlotte Hornets.