Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith suggested the lack of nightlife in Cleveland has been a blessing in disguise. After struggling earlier in the season with the New York Knicks, Smith has found new life with the Cavaliers and credits it to there not being anything else to do in Cleveland but focus on basketball.
The change of scenery, from New York to Cleveland, has benefitted Smith. He's been more consistent than he was with the Knicks, and he's given Cleveland a viable threat on the wing. Smith spoke with NBA.com's David Aldridge on Wednesday and indicated Cleveland's lack of nightlife was the reason for his midseason turnaround.
"I think this is the best situation for me, 'cause there's nothing but basketball," Smith said. "There's nothing you expect but basketball. There's nothing, there's no going out, there's no late nights. There's video games, basketball and basketball. So it's a great thing, 'cause I go back to where I came from.
"When I grew up, I never, I wasn't allowed to go out. I missed my prom because I went to an AAU tournament, and all that stuff. For me, it was basketball, basketball, basketball. And then when I got in the situation where I was at an early age, it was more, alright, let me see what this life is about, as opposed to just keep going.
"So now, I get the chance to get back to my roots."
Smith said he was happy about the trade, but he felt bad about leaving longtime teammate and friend Carmelo Anthony behind. When asked about the difference in leadership between Anthony and James, Smith painted a picture of two very different styles.
"I think (James is) more of a vocal leader than 'Melo is," Smith said. "'Melo's more of a I'm gonna show what to do, and if you follow suit, that's what it is. 'Bron is more of an 'alright, this is what's gonna happen; you're gonna do this, this, this and this,' or you're gonna receive this.
"He's more of a vocal person than 'Melo is. 'Melo is more behind the scenes, still gets his work in and everything in, you just don't see as much. 'Bron is more, you see it. I don't think it's a right or wrong way; (but) it's definitely a (difference) in the culture between the two."
