NBA

J.R. Smith: Groin-shot ban based on reputation

Getty Images
J.R. Smith said his groin shot to Glen Rice Jr. midway through the fourth quarter Tuesday against Washington was “unintentional’’ and he had no idea why the Wizards guard was crumpled on the floor in agony. In fact, Smith was afraid Rice was bleeding – unaware it was simply a hit in the groin.

In his first remarks since being suspended by the NBA for Wednesday’s game against the Pistons, Smith admitted his reputation likely precedes him in incidents like this one.

Asked if this was a reputation suspension levied by league disciplinarian Rod Thorn, the always volatile Smith said:

“Yeah, I don’t think it was something that anybody who seen it thought there was anything deliberate about it,’’ Smith said. “You got to take it for what it is.’’

Smith made a dribble move to the basket.

“I was just trying to clear space,’’ Smith said. “It was a short shot clock and was trying to clear space and get close to basket, so I could to get the shot off. It definitely wasn’t anything intentional.’’

Thorn has said emphatically the suspension was not based on Smith’s past reputation.

Smith will appeal to try to recoup the $53,000 in lost wages in an appeal – as he’s done in the past with other suspensions and fines.

“I seen him on the floor [and was] trying to figure out what happened,’’ Smith said. “Was he bleeding or something? The ref didn’t call it. The ref called a foul on him.’’

NewYorkKnicksMemes.com
“I wasn’t surprised,’’ Smith added. “At this stage of my career, once I knew I had to make a phone call [to the league], something is going to come down from it. They took my side of the story and made a decision from there.’’

Back at the Detroit hotel, Smith watched the game – alone.

“It’s hard to sit there,’’ Smith said. But on the plane ride home, he watched the game on tape with assistant coach Rasheed Hazzard after the Knicks were dominated for 3 ½ quarters in a 98-95 loss.

“We’re thinking too much, not reacting,’’ Smith said. “From watching the game with Rasheed, guys look like robots, trying to do everything right at one time. It’s not going to work like that. Basketball is a game of taking advantage of other people’s mistakes. Now we’re just trying to run everything 100 percent.’’


Derek Fisher wouldn’t say whether Jason Smith will start again at power forward Friday vs. Brooklyn … Pablo Prigioni will miss the Brooklyn game and Fisher didn’t sound like Prigioni will be available for Saturday’s game in Atlanta either. The Knicks fly out after the game.