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[QUOTE="osullfam, post: 1272865, member: 647"]
This is from a Cleveland sports reporters article today:
Smith and Shumpert were with the Knicks, who have the worst record in the East and no hope of quick improvement. They viewed the trade as a season-saving deal for them.
And Waiters was traded to Oklahoma City. So the one player who wanted out was traded -- and three guys who wanted to come were imported.
Blatt has praised all three new players for making it easy for the coaches. They want to fit in.
Smith has made a huge impact. He has surprised the coaches with his dedication to defense and his understanding of when to double-team -- and when it's best to stay with his man.
Smith also is a fearless long-range shooter. He entered the weekend averaging 14.6 points and shooting 42 percent. Unlike Waiters who likes to dribble the ball, Smith either quickly shoots it or passes it. He will take some awful shots, but he also can change a game by being sizzling hot from the outside.
Smith has had some legal problems off the court. Before the deal was made, the front office talked to Irving and James, two players who know him. Both urged the team to make the trade.
The feeling was that Smith tends to play very well when he's on a good team. In 2012-13, he was the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year averaging 18 points for the 54-28 Knicks. He also had some very strong seasons with Denver when George Karl had the Nuggets in the playoffs.
Smith has already made an impact.
Shooting guard Shumpert returned Friday after missing five weeks with a shoulder injury. The Cavs may give him a chance to play some backup point guard.
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