Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard JR Smith (L) drives past Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry. (Photo : Getty Images)
After turning heads during NBA summer league play, Jordan McRae might now replace JR Smith in the Cleveland Cavaliers rotation.
When the All NBA Summer League first team was announced, the most surprising name on the list was McRae. He is a relative unknown player that has been stashed within the Cavaliers organization. McRae is joined on the first team by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones, Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis, Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons and Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams.
McRae averaged 24.3 points per game during the NBA summer league. That was good for third place. The 25 year old guard was only surpassed in points by Utah Jazz forward Trey Lyles and Suns guard Devin Booker, who is expected to make the leap to stardom pretty soon.
During the regular season finale for the Cavaliers last season, McRae became a bit of a trend on social media. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard went off against the Detroit Pistons by scoring 36 points. While McRae was able to create a little bit of a buzz, it was overshadowed by the fact that LeBron James finally brought an NBA Championship to Cleveland.
JR Smith played a very important part of the NBA Championship run. It was the perfect time for him to become a free agent. Smith reportedly wants $15 million a season from the Cavaliers, which might be more than the team is willing to spend to keep him around.
The biggest thing that Smith brings to Cleveland is scoring. If McRae can continue his momentum by providing scoring during the regular season, then he can realistically replace Smith in the rotation. McRae can provide instant offense off the bench whenever Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue gives Iman Shumpert a break.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has to write a $54 million check to the NBA. That is the amount owed on luxury tax. Gilbert didn't mind spending that much money because it finally brought a championship, but if he can write a smaller check by having McRae replace Smith, then he will be all over it.
