NBA News: Ex-Cleveland Cavaliers JR Smith wants to be starter

Free agent JR Smith has been without contract ever since opting out from Cleveland Cavaliers in June to look for a bigger offer. While Smith re-signing with the Cavs is still likely, the 29-year-old shooting guard’s decision to decline his player option with Cleveland might have caused him to actually settle for a lesser deal.

Despite uncertainty in his free agency, the 6-foot-5 Smith does not seem to be bothered with his contract situation, saying that he just wants to be on any team where he can make a difference. Smith, who came off the bench for much of the Cavs’ postseason run, revealed he would love to be a “starter.” However, the 2013 sixth man of the year admitted it will depend on what team he will be joining, according to Pacific Daily News.

"Cleveland is in a situation where they don't really need me to start. I can come off the bench and bring the energy and stuff like that,” Smith said.

Smith had been in a downward spiral before recapturing his form in Cleveland to help the team and Lebron James reach the NBA Finals. Smith averaged 12.7 points in the regular season from the tune of 39.7 per cent shooting from beyond the arc. However, Smith was hardly a factor in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in June, shooting only 31 per cent from the field.

Only few teams with enough cap space are left to offer Smith a huge contract. However, reports from Cleveland.com suggested that the enigmatic shooting guard is still expected to return at Quicken Loans Arena because of the skills he can offer to the team. Smith revealed last month that he would “definitely” like to play for the Cavs again, even if it means taking less than US$6.4 million (AU$8.7 million), which was his player option.

"The coaches, the team, everything about the situation, it's perfect for me,” Smith said during the NBA players’ union summer meeting in Las Vegas last month. He added, “Right now they [Cleveland] give me the best opportunity to win.”

The Cavs are on the verge of retaining its NBA Finals roster after bringing back Lebron James, Kevin Love and Matthew Dellavedova. Cleveland also acquired Mo Williams via free agency, while the Eastern Conference champs are still negotiating a deal with power forward Tristan Thompson.

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