JR has been living in the shadows of Carmelo Anthony ever since he joined the Nuggets. Subconsciously it seems that JR felt like a little fish in a big pond with Carmelo leading the team; and it is apparent JR convinced himself that he would never measure up to Carmelo while melo ruled the roost. Like every wildly successful inventor (Einstein), business tycoon (Steve Jobs), and infamous athlete (Michael Jordan) they all had to suffer through years of mediocrity; moreover, almost a decade of being disgusted because they were not perfect. Many haters of JR are quick to point out that when JR fails he sulks and the haters claim this is a sign a weakness. Au contraire mon fraire; JR sulking shows how passionate he is about his game: moreover, as he sulks Karl wisdom pulls back the curtain and delineates JR’s path to superstardom. JR will have to be more determined and confident than Melo, more passionate than Billups, command respect like Afflalo, be tougher than Martin, all the while continuing to empower his teammates. The cost of perfection is a heavy burden to bear for a Nuggetnation divided and the Village must support its KING. I am proud JR wears his emotions on his sleeves’; because once he figures out how to consistently use his emotions as a weapon, like a Kobe, JR will be one step closer to being our David, slayer of Goliath.

I resent anyone who thinks Karl dislikes JR. Karl has been around basketball his entire life. Karl knows as well as anyone the talent JR has is limitless. Often the drama the media mistakenly suggests as a fight between the two; instead is the subconscious awakening of self-discovery the mentor has gifted to his prodigy. Many highlight the 08-09 season as JR’s pinnacle; because the success of the Nuggets franchise during 08-09 peaked. The reason for the success of JR as well as the team in 08-09 is a direct result of the previous 3 years of a consistent roster and the dedication the team had in practice. It took Einstein 10,000 failed attempts before he celebrated success for the first time.

Over the last 7 years JR has consistently had to adapt to a changing team and moreover a changing NBA climate. Through all the changes JR has been expected to remain consistent, resilient, and continue to improve. In the spirit of improvement like Einstein, JR was forced to execute theories in which he was unsure of the result. As a result in the 09-10 season JR took 100 more field goals while being played 200 less minutes. He quickly analyzed his mistakes and during this past season his stats were within 2% of his best stats during a season of extreme flux.

JR has proven over the past 7 years any obstacle put in front of him can be overcome and that he will use the experience to grow as a player and human being. A wise man once said it takes a village to raise a superstar. George Karl realized early on JR would not respond to praises, hugs, and kisses. JR has the talent to be the best and both Karl and JR expect nothing less than perfection. The past seven years the mentor has been molding the prodigy for his emergence as a superstar. JR has learned from the most respected offensive players in the league (Iverson, Billups, Carmelo) as well as, the most revered defensive players in the NBA (Martin and Camby). Steve Jobs didn’t sell Apple computers in ’95 when it was worth squat and everyone doubted him. He stuck to his guns and created one of the largest companies in the world well after everyone had dismissed Apple. This is my war cry for Nuggetnation to collectively salute to our hero, a God among mere mortals, JR Smith.

Sooner or later you’re going to realize just as I did that there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.
(The Matrix)

I BELIEVE IN J.R.
FEAR THE SWISH!

1. He can’t grow anymore in Denver. He has a contested relationship with the man in charge, and that’s not ever going to change. He’s all he’s gonna be here until science perfects the brain transplant.

2. Highlights and outrageous offensive don’t make up for poor shot selection, poor defense, and a bad attitude. Someone here compared JR to Allen Iverson, and I think that’s an interesting comparison…especially because Iverson never won a title. He was too selfish, too unwilling to be coached, and didn’t commit to defense.

3. JR’s skills, as electric as they are, can be replaced. His offense is definitely above average, but his defense is below average, and he doesn’t really mesh well with his coach. If Denver brought in a less talented offensive player with better defense – who was also a better fit for the coach – I’d think the result would be similar.

So basically it all comes down to this: JR is good, but he’s not a good fit. He should move on, and Denver should focus on developing Afflalo to be the main man at the 2.

I think our first round pick will tell us a lot. If we take a SG or even a PG who can shoot, this could be the first indication that J.R.’s days in Denver are over.