Why there is statistical value, albeit risky, in re-signing JR Smith.

If only it were just about the numbers.

According to multiple reports, the Knicks and JR Smith have come to terms on a four-year, $24.7 million contract. ESPNNewYork.com says the fourth year is a player option.

If the NBA operated under NFL rules, this would be viewed as a good deal. But a full guarantee on four years for a player who struggles with focus and consistency is a potentially dangerous venture.

Why the Knicks made this commitment is simple: what other options did they have? Put away the Monta Ellis fantasies and slap yourself for routinely forgetting that the Knicks can not acquire a free agent in a simple sign-and-trade. JR Smith is coming off a career season in which he won Sixth Man of the Year. The Knicks had Early Bird Rights on him, which meant what they just paid him did not come out of the limited resources they have in free agency (Taxpayer's Mid-Level Exception).

So if you felt the right move was to let 18.1 points per game walk out the door -- and in time, Smith's notorious antics may prove this right -- ask yourself how you planned to replace his offense?

His disappearing act in the playoffs can't be overlooked, but neither can his impact on a 54-win team.

If only this were just about the statistics.

Consider that, among guards and wing players, JR ranked 8th among players in this per game criteria: 30+ minutes, 15+ field goal attempts and 5+ rebounds.

The names on that list -- Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade and Rudy Gay -- are not only starters, they are all-stars.

Smith is 8th on that list in scoring (with least amount of FGAs), 7th in FG%, 7th in rebounding and tied for 6th in assists.

So strictly by the numbers, at $6.2M per, the Knicks are getting him at a very good price.

In fact, if he only improved on his 3.9 FTA per game, he could easily find himself over the 20 points per game plateau.

But we know with JR, it's never just about numbers. It's about focus, consistency, shot-selection, attitude, defense and a predilection for controversy and the residual effects (see: Jason Terry elbow).

The main issue last season was that the Knicks wound up relying too much on Smith to deliver. As a complementary player, he's a good buy at $6.2M per.

But if you need him to be more for you night-to-night, you're simply asking too much.
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Like I have said many times i didnt mind signing jr smith to a 2 year deal but 4 years is too much for a guy who is infamous with losing his focus both on and off the court. i mean i thought 2015 was the goal to try and get some new free agents. Now with jr smith on the books, carmelo antnhony most likely want a new bigger contract, and shumpert who will get paid next year it looks like 2015 is not gonna be the goal anymore

CrushAlot wrote:

StarksEwing1 wrote:Like I have said many times i didnt mind signing jr smith to a 2 year deal but 4 years is too much for a guy who is infamous with losing his focus both on and off the court. i mean i thought 2015 was the goal to try and get some new free agents. Now with jr smith on the books, carmelo antnhony most likely want a new bigger contract, and shumpert who will get paid next year it looks like 2015 is not gonna be the goal anymore

If Melo doesn't reup the Knicks have almost 70 million coming off the cap just in Amare, Bargs, Flu and Melo. Not sure how it plays out or the numbers but a lot of money is coming off the cap.

Yes i agree the amare contract, bargs and tyson will help us financially. Maybe Melo will take less money considering he will be in his 30's but i doubt it. I just dont trust JR Smith with a 4 year deal. You cant blame me for being hestitant about JR Smith after the stuff he pulled in the postseason

StarksEwing1 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

StarksEwing1 wrote:Like I have said many times i didnt mind signing jr smith to a 2 year deal but 4 years is too much for a guy who is infamous with losing his focus both on and off the court. i mean i thought 2015 was the goal to try and get some new free agents. Now with jr smith on the books, carmelo antnhony most likely want a new bigger contract, and shumpert who will get paid next year it looks like 2015 is not gonna be the goal anymore

If Melo doesn't reup the Knicks have almost 70 million coming off the cap just in Amare, Bargs, Flu and Melo. Not sure how it plays out or the numbers but a lot of money is coming off the cap.

Yes i agree the amare contract, bargs and tyson will help us financially. Maybe Melo will take less money considering he will be in his 30's but i doubt it. I just dont trust JR Smith with a 4 year deal. You cant blame me for being hestitant about JR Smith after the stuff he pulled in the postseason

If you could trust JR for 82 games to be cool and calm and not get into trouble the entire season, then he would command $12 mil/yr and would be out of our reach. We got him for $6 mil. and that is a deal for us.