Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith's hubris has become a lightning rod for criticism launched by opposing teams and their fans, especially during this year's NBA playoffs and especially in Los Angeles.
His on-court displays of emotion, which one could easily confuse for taunting and unsportsmanlike behavior, have branded Smith an immature kid, and at worst have given some cause to label him as a thug...again.
But perhaps there is a more refined side to this 23-year-old who's never met a jump shot he didn't like. Apparently J.R. has discovered a more refined version of himself, or at least is working on it by taking up the game of golf.
Smith's golf/basketball doubleheaders are getting a lot of ink in the Denver Post this week. Apparently Smith disclosed that he likes to play golf on the day of a game to "take my mind off basketball and release stress."
His Sunday round at City Park Golf Course, an 18-hole municipal course with views of the downtown skyline and Rocky Mountains, was rained out after only two holes. So he returned to the course on Monday to finish up.
Monday night, Smith was the X-factor in the Nuggets' 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 24 points and dishing out four assists off the bench. The Denver win tied the best of 7 series at 2-2.
"I play golf before every game," Smith said. "You get out there and focus on something else for a second, relax, and then come in here at night and go to work. I think it helps me focus because I'm not really thinking about it throughout the whole day and then by the time I'm here, I'm well rested and the game is the only thing that's on my mind."
Smith told ESPN's First Take that he shot a 45 on the front side, and kept his back nine score to himself. It didn't go very well.
He went on to say that he's been playing for less than a year, but is already a 10-handicap. Sounds like another golfer who is misunderestimating his lack of ability.
"I hit it far, but that's the only thing I can do," Smith told the Denver Post. "My chipping and putting, I'm not that good."
Doesn't sound like a 10 handicap. Moving on.
Smith also said that he first played at a Rashard Lewis celebrity event in Houston, where he was teamed with former Philadelphia 76ers great Moses Malone. Smith might see Lewis again if the Magic and Nuggets meet in the NBA Finals. Would it be weird for opposing players to get a tee time together the day of a game?
In an article I found on the Denver Post Web site today, they were playing up the golf angle again.
The article began with, "J.R. Smith lounged in a chair in the Nuggets' locker room Tuesday, talking golf like he was hanging out at the 19th hole."
So who does Smith compare himself to? That would be Mr. John Daly, who recently had his suspension lifted by the PGA Tour bringing his European Tour sojourn to an end. Daly will be back to the St. Jude Classic Memphis next month. Maybe Smith could caddy for Daly.
But really J.R. Smith, do you know what you've exposed yourself to should your team lose and your poor play be one of the reasons for it?
The sensational story hungry media will speculate that you walked 18 holes at Riviera Country Club on Wednesday before trying to check Kobe on Wednesday night at Staples.
They'll print a suggestion of courses for you to play once your season is over.
But maybe you deserve it. Aren't you breaking a by-law of sports handed down by Little League coaches across the country every summer. As I remember, you wouldn't even think of doing another strenuous, physically demanding task the day of a game. For Little Leaguers it's swimming and yes, golf is physically draining. Being out in the sun all day, walking a good bit, even with a cart.
Starting tonight, Kobe will make sure you have plenty of time to put your name on various tee sheets throughout the Denver area.
at Wednesday, 24 June 2009 10:17by Bryana a.k.a Mz. Smith