New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith was named the Sixth Man of the Year by the NBA on Monday, ESPN New York reports. The 27-year-old had the best season of his career averaging about 18 points, five rebounds and three assists in 80 games off the bench.
Smith wasn’t happy about his role coming off the bench heading into the season, but he showed maturity by staying in the role he’s been known for his entire career; and he embraced it well.
Only two other players in Knicks history won the award: Anthony Mason in the 1994-95 season and John Starks in 1996-97.
Smith, who received 72 first-place votes, signed with the Knicks in February 2012 after playing basketball in the Chinese league with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. The eight-year pro was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004.
After playing two seasons with them, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls and then was traded immediately to the Denver Nuggets after Chicago decided that they didn’t want him on their roster. Smith played with the Nuggets from 2006-11. When his contract expired, he signed in China due to the lockout and then signed with New York.
Congratulations to J.R.; let’s all celebrate by taking 30-foot, contested jumpers!
