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Denver Nuggets: 3 reasons why J.R. Smith would be a great signing

By Quenton S. Albertie

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: (M) Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets talks with his teammates in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 19, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: (M) Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets talks with his teammates in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 19, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers get into an altercation in the second half during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 15: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers get into an altercation in the second half during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Edge

Throughout the playoffs, it was easy to see that the Nuggets’ mental toughness — both individually and collectively — was being tested.

Although Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic were being credited with their abilities to keep Denver in a series or to close out a game, it was still clear that opposing teams thought that the Nuggets were lacking a certain toughness. Whether it was their lack of resistance defensively, their body language when frustrated or the mellow personalities of their rotation players, Denver didn’t have the edginess of other playoff teams.

If they didn’t need it, then opposing teams wouldn’t try to push them around and Paul Millsap’s gritty responses to perceived affronts wouldn’t have been seen as rallying points for the Nuggets.

Unfortunately for Denver, there’s a chance that Millsap doesn’t return this offseason.

That said, Smith is a player who isn’t afraid to mix it up in defense of himself or his teammates.

Wiser and far more mature than he was early in his career, Smith would consistently provide what Millsap did for Denver during the postseason, warning teams against thinking they were pushovers.