Reasons why:
JR Smith grew up in Newark.
Favorite artist is Jay-Z.
While playing in New Orleans, funded two adult literacy scholarships through HANO and was on hand for the ribbon-cutting of the Pecan Grove Resource Center.
Funded a Kids Café site with his proceeds from the Slam Dunk Contest.
Started the J.R. Smith Foundation, which helps kids get accepted into St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark) and assisted victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Purchased tickets to every Nuggets home game for underprivileged families the last two seasons.