CLEVELAND: The revelation that J.R. Smith might not be back until close to the start of the playoffs does not add any urgency to the Cavaliers’ plans, it just might alter what they target in trades between now and February’s trade deadline.
Smith is expected to miss at least three months following surgery Friday to repair a “complex fracture” in his right thumb. The Cavs estimated his return at 12-14 weeks, which would put him back on the court around the start of April. Hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham performed the surgery at the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center in Montrose.
“Next man up gotta be ready to play,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “We’re going to miss J.R., but I’m confident [General Manager David Griffin] will get something done.”
DeAndre Liggins will remain Smith’s replacement in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. Liggins made 7-of-11 3-pointers (64 percent) entering Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Liggins is limited offensively, but Lue isn’t surprised by his success from long range. Rather, he’s surprised Liggins doesn’t shoot it more often because he shot 38 percent on 3-pointers in three seasons in the Development League. He shot 43 percent from deep for Sioux Falls last season.
“In practice he’s making his shots,” Lue said. “Just got to be confident and take them. He’s going to get those shots and we want him taking those shots because that’s part of our offense. When it’s swing-swing-swing, you get the shot, you’ve got to take it. It’s surprised me that he’s turning it down because I know he can make it.”
It’s clear at this point Griffin has some work to do. The Cavs will likely target both a backup point guard and a wing who can shoot between now and the trade deadline. There is also the matter of finding another big man now that Chris “Birdman” Andersen has been lost for the season.
Smith’s fracture occurred when he swiped at the ball, but it wasn’t just the ball. The team reviewed replays and believe the real damage was probably done when Smith caught Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee on his follow through. Antetokounmpo was bringing his knee up as Smith reached for the ball.
If it was his non-shooting hand, Smith probably could have returned to action sooner with just a small cast. Since it’s his shooting hand, however, it will take longer to heal. The team remains hopeful he can make it back on the practice floor to at least start getting shots up well before the 12-to-14-week timeline, and he should have enough time during game play to find his rhythm before the postseason begins. Even at 14 weeks, Smith would return near the beginning of April and still have seven to 10 games to get his stroke back.
Tough week
The Nets entered the night tied for the worst record in the NBA. Compounding their problems was a brutal back-to-back with the Golden State Warriors and Cavs. They led the Warriors by 14 at the half Thursday before ultimately losing by 16. Then they had to come into Quicken Loans Arena and tangle with the defending champions.
“This is what you’re here for: to play against the best and compete against the best, and learn from the best,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. “You appreciate it.”
Former Cavs Anthony Bennett and Joe Harris both play for the Nets. Former assistant Bret Brielmaier is on their coaching staff and Trajan Langdon left the Cavs to join the Nets’ front office.
As for Bennett, the former top overall pick in the 2013 draft, this is his fourth team in as many years.
“I really like his rebounding and his athleticism,” Atkinson said. “Anthony is dynamic, pretty long, has versatility, and I like that he can shoot the basketball.”
Yet Bennett has never averaged more than 5.2 points per game in a season.
Dribbles
Kevin Love began the night 15 points shy of 10,000 for his career. …. Richard Jefferson began the night one 3-pointer shy of 1,000 for his career. … The Cavs entered 8-0 against the Atlantic Division this season.
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com.