PHILADELPHIA — J.R. Smith said Saturday he’s been “misunderstood,” wishes fans had a better “sense of humor,” believes his sneaker-lace saga has become “a distraction to the team,” that has been doing the stunt for five years, and he didn’t know if he would play against the 76ers that night.
Essentially, Smith showed little remorse and said he’s “extremely surprised” by the backlash against him.
“I see both sides of it,’’ said Smith at the morning shootaround at Temple, ahead of going 5-for-8 from the field in a 14-point effort as the Knicks cruised past the 76ers, 102-92.
“I’ve been doing it four, five years. I’ve only seen it from the joking side. It is what it is. I guess some people don’t have a sense of humor.’’
Mike Woodson was asked about Smith’s status for the Sixers’ game Saturday and what he thinks of his future, but the coach wouldn’t bite — just as he wouldn’t talk about Smith before and after the Miami game on Thursday, when Smith was benched.
The two did talk Friday.
“He’s been telling me [to grow up] since I got here,’’ Smith said. “Honestly, growing up I really don’t understand the true meaning of it. I’ve been misunderstood my whole life. It’s not going to change now.’’
Woodson said he wouldn’t comment on Smith’s future playing status. After getting benched in the victory over the Heat, Smith compounded the issue by posing for a picture after the game at a nightclub, shown untying a clubgoer’s sneaker.
“I’m not talking about J.R. and his situation,’’ Woodson said. “Just talk about the game.’’
Smith said he doesn’t know if the issue is behind him and the team. Judging by Woodson’s tone, it’s not. Knicks brass was furious that after Smith was warned by Woodson and the NBA following the Marion incident, Smith continued to joke about it the next game against Detroit, feigning an attempt at Greg Monroe’s sneaker.
It’s only the latest saga in Smith’s travails with the Knicks, and owner James Dolan, The Post has reported, was disappointed in Smith for posting a message about “betrayal’’ when his brother Chris Smith was cut.
“I’m extremely surprised actually,’’ Smith said of the criticism. “It’s frustrating and a distraction to our team. A distraction to what we’re trying to do. I’m not pleased with it.’’
The Knicks didn’t miss a beat without Smith, beating Miami with a taut eight-man rotation that included rookie point guard Toure’ Murry for their fourth win in five games. Smith has struggled all season after missing the first five games because of a third failed marijuana test. He is shooting a dreadful 34.8 percent and acknowledged the sneaker fury might be related to his struggles.
“When you miss shots it’s going to happen,’’ Smith said.
Smith tried to leave the Temple gym through a side door to avoid reporters. But the Knicks PR staff ran after him and brought him back to talk.
Asked about the nightclub picture, Smith didn’t deny it.
“I’m not worried about stuff like that no more,” he said. “I’m just worried about my team.’’
Smith said Thursday he didn’t know about his future in New York. When asked when he might play, Smith said: “I wish I was fortune teller. I’d be a billionaire.’’