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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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Feb 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) and guard J.R. Smith (5) and guard Jordan McRae (12) and forward Richard Jefferson (24) react to a replay of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams’ dunk during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) and guard J.R. Smith (5) and guard Jordan McRae (12) and forward Richard Jefferson (24) react to a replay of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams’ dunk during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Experience & Energy

The brand of veteran leadership that Smith provides may not be the typical type of leadership that you expect in the locker room.

However, as a two-time champion who has grown exponentially both on and off-the-court after entering the NBA straight out of high school, Smith has a combination of league and life experience that will be beneficial to the Nuggets in several ways.

The simplest way that his experience benefits Denver is by displaying the dedication, mindset and habits that it takes to the reach the NBA Finals. Smith has been to the Finals five times and he would instantly have more Finals experience than every player on the roster put together; so as they navigate through the regular season or postseason, they can lean on him for advice.

A great friend of LeBron James, who has been to the NBA Finals on 10 separate occasions, Smith has leaned of LeBron as a role model. In that respect, Smith will have another way to mentor his teammates, as he can continue to lean on James for lessons in leadership.

Lastly, Smith has an infectious energy that could help the Nuggets play free and have fun while staying engaged. Whether it’s on the court, during team-building activities or on a random Tuesday midway through the season, Smith would play the part of Denver’s fun and cool big brother (or uncle).

He could even break out the pranks again.

dark. Next. 2020 NBA Mock Draft V1.0

They’re sure to go over better than they did with Kenyon Martin anyways!

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