Chat Transcript: J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith chatted with fans on MondayNBAE/Getty Images |
If this summer is any indication, the future indeed looks bright for the New Orleans Hornets. First-round pick J.R. Smith turned in a dynamite performance during the Southern California Summer Pro League, where he displayed his talent and potential by turning in two 30-plus point performances including a summer league high of 35 against the Mavericks summer league team.
"Two of the things we wanted to address in the offseason were that we wanted to get more athletic and we wanted to get younger," said Bristow. "I think in drafting J.R., who is an impressive young athlete with and enormous amount of potential, we definitely made progress in improving our team."
Before his first training camp experience begins, J.R. Smith chatted live with fans on hornets.com. See what J.R. had to say about this year's team, the Dunk Competition and more:
Floyd (Arizona): Hey JR, what was it like when they called your name on draft day? ANd was New Orleans where you wanted to go?
J.R. Smith: It was crazy, because I had like 300 people in my house, family, friends, cousins. It wasn't one of the places I expected to be picked, but now that I'm here I'm really happy about it.
John (New Orleans): Why did you decide to go straight to the NBA?
J.R. Smith: I had to do the best for my family. I really wanted to go to the NBA, like lots of guys, who go to college, their main goal is to make the NBA.
Mark (Mandeville): Hey J.R., do you think you will turn heads and surprise teams who passed on you in the draft? I've seen clips of you and while you seem raw, your potential is endless.
J.R. Smith: I think I will. My main goal right now is to make the teams that didn't pick me pay. It's not a personal issue, but in order for us to succeed I need to play well and that's what I want to do.
Minneapolis: J.R. how do you feel about playing with Baron Davis, the best point guard in the NBA?
J.R. Smith: It's crazy, I'd never thought I'd play with a guy as good as Baron. He is one of the most respected, if not the best, point guard in the league. I think he is the best and to play with him and learn from him, is a great place for me to be in this league.
Trenton, NJ: My son saw you play in high school, and what he remembers most is your vertical. So what's your secret (god given, weights, ?
J.R. Smith: It's God_Given. I only started lifting weights when I came to the Hornets camp over the summer, so it's God-Given.
jeremy waters: what was your favorite NBA player growing up and who do you consider your b-ball game is similar to in the NBA?
J.R. Smith: My favorite player was Michael Jordan. Right now, I like Vince Carter and Ray Allen, but I want to build my own name. I don't want to be like other people, I just want to be myself and make a name for myself.
roger(va. beach): have you had a chance to explore the city of new orleans, and do you like it down there.
J.R. Smith: Yeah, I had a chance to explore New Orleans, it's a a great city with terrific people. I'm very, very happy to be here among these fans and this city.
John (Grand Forks, North Dakota): Hey JR what do you think of coach Scott? how diffirent is he from your HS coach?
J.R. Smith: He's a great guy, I love working with him. He's a great teacher of the game, and especially with him having succeeded playing in my position, it really helps. He's not as much as a drill sargent as Coach Hurley. Which isn't a bad thing about Coach Hurley, it's actually good. But Coach Scott is different and we are getting along very well.
Ryan (LA): Whats up J.R.? The Hornets seem a little thin at the 2 and the 3 this year. Even though your right out of high school do you think you can contribute right away?
J.R. Smith: Yeah, I think I can contribute right away. I don't want to sit on the bench and watch for two years, I hope I can get out there and help the team as soon as the coach needs me.
Sydney (New York): Hey JR Smith if you enter the 2005 Slam Dunk Competition would you be able to beat Fred Jones for the title.
J.R. Smith: Oh Yeah! Definitely. Fred is a great competitor, but I think I could beat him. That's the way you need to come into the league, you need to come in positive about what you can do. I'd like to give it a shot.
Vish, Raleigh: Wuddup J.R., i was just wondering how you have been able to deal with the change and exposure after going to the NBA?
J.R. Smith: It's not that much different so far, media-wise. I was popular in New Jersey and now in New Orleans I have good guys to look at in Baron and the other guys, so I watch them and see how things go. On the court, it's an adjustment strength-wise. Guys are so strong in this league that I need to make the adjustment to competing against these strong guys.
John (Grand Forks, North Dakota): Hey JR thanks for taking time and awnsering quetions today your awsome!!! good luck this yr and o one question who are you looking forward to facing on the hardwood?
J.R. Smith: I'd say..matchup to matchup it'd be Kobe and T-Mac. T-Mac is one of my favorite players. I also know LeBron for a long time and that would be fun. Also, just being on the same court as guys like Shaq and Kevin Garnett will be a great experience.
J.R. Smith: I'd like to thank all the fans for being there for me, through the good times and the bad times. I couldn't be here today without all your help and your support. I hope I can help the Hornets be a great team this season.
