J.R. Smith’s tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers was among his most successful.
He was colleagues with a young Kyrie Irving for a portion of three seasons during that time.
Smith made an audacious claim about Irving during a recent interview with Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn.
Smith: “In my opinion, he is the most gifted offensive player I have encountered.” I believe Kyrie is the sole player I have ever observed who is capable of scoring at every level with either hand. He is capable of shooting with his left hand… He is the most exceptional non-dominant and dominant finisher I have ever observed. It is not even close.
Smith and Irving were instrumental in the Cavaliers’ victory over Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Championship.
Via NBA History: “Game 7. Tie Game.”
There is less than one minute remaining.
“Kyrie’s the only player I’ve ever seen that can score at every level with either hand.”
JR easily stamped Kyrie Irving as his most gifted teammate because of his mind-boggling moves 😳 pic.twitter.com/MLfNymn6z3
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) May 12, 2025
In the seventh game of the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving scores the game-winning three-pointer, securing Cleveland’s inaugural NBA Championship.
Irving has played for the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Dallas Mavericks since departing the Cavaliers.
Prior to his injury, the 33-year-old had averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 50 games this past season. He also shot 47.3% from the field and 40.1% from the three-point line.
Smith, a two-time NBA Champion, played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Cavaliers over the course of 16 seasons.
In 2013, he was awarded the sixth Man of the Year Award, with the Knicks.
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