Gunners are made, not born.
Since joining LeBron James in Cleveland, J.R. Smith has been less of a gunner without conscience than he was with the Knicks or previous stops, but the man still doesn’t fear to jack it up. He’s not in there to pass.
Where did this mentality come from? His father, as he told the Cavs’ website.
JR Smith‘s dad taught him to shoot every time he touches the ball.
— Thomas Duffy (@TJDhoops) November 13, 2017
“Don't risk turning it over. Just shoot it." https://t.co/mFCJNkqxoe
Somewhere, Kobe Bryant silently nods.
Smith is averaging 26.4 passes per game, which is right about the same number as Ryan Anderson in Houston or Buddy Hield in Sacramento — two other guys in the game to shoot every chance they get. He’s moving the ball a little more than last year, but he’s still no passer. His dad’s words still ring in his ears.
Wayne Gretzky’s dad told him “you miss every shot you don’t take,” which is sort of the same thing. Although Gretzky had an unrivaled gift for passing, not just shooting. He played less defense than Smith, though.
