The Cleveland Cavaliers will not have J.R. Smith for a nationally televised game against Philadelphia Thursday night — Smith has been suspended by the team for one game.
Why? For “detrimental conduct” according to the official press release from the team.
That’s vague, and coach Tyronn Lue would not be much more specific pregame, as reported by Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said “something happened after shootaround” Thursday that led to Smith’s one-game suspension.
This is reportedly team related, not an off-the-court incident.
Rodney Hood moves into the starting lineup in Smith’s place. Smith is averaging 8.3 points a game in about 30 minutes a night and is a threat from three opponents must respect.