<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Hornets guard J.R. Smith was listed as inactive Tuesday, didn't suit up and didn't sit on the bench during the game at Indianapolis. Why? "The real reason was that he showed up with five minutes left in practice Monday," said Hornets coach Byron Scott. "He came in and sat down and didn't come to me and tell me why. I didn't think he deserved to dress." Meanwhile, Smith stayed in the locker room Tuesday because he didn't have a sport jacket. </div> Source I think the Hornets should really consider sending him to the DLeague for a couple of weeks as punishment.
He deserves all the punishment he's been getting. I haven't liked his attitude since he's come into the league.
Both he, his agent and the Hornets really need to change this situation because a pro career is being jeopardized and the team's value and playoff potential for the next 2-3 years if they lose a first round pick or swap him for chump change will only improve marginally. This is not the way to compete with Memphis, San Antonio, Dallas or Utah. J. R. needs to learn how to play basketball the way the team which pays him wants him to play, and the team needs to put their arms around him and remind him why they picked him and made him a millionaire. J. R. needs to work on his strength and balance and become an above average defender and I think his offense will fall into place. The Hornets need to find him a mentor, not just a "boy," and if he tried he might find Byron Scott is a pretty good one.
