J.R. Smith issue threatens Nuggets' goal of NBA title

Forget scares of a suspension, extra shooting practice and media training. The whole J.R. Smith mess comes down to this: The Nuggets' singular goal is to win an NBA championship, and if Smith doesn't change his antics, it could affect the team's chances.

"He's one of our best players, and if you have one of your best players not either playing at his best or acting as best he can, it's going to affect the team," said Nuggets captain Chauncey Billups, who has played in two NBA Finals, winning one. "And his role has been increased this year. The last couple years, he maybe wasn't a player we had to lean on every night. We need J.R. (this year). He knows that. We need him to be right — at all times."

Nuggets management considered suspending Smith after the guard's pouting antics during Saturday's game but backed off Monday. Against Charlotte on Monday night, he scored 12 points and was 2-for-9 from 3-point range, though coach George Karl said: "I thought he played with a focus and intensity. He knew it had to be a serious game."

After speaking just briefly after Monday's shootaround, he avoided the media by slipping out the side door after the game. When asked by a team-employed nuggets.com writer about potential criticism from the media, he said: "I don't worry about that stuff. They're out there just trying to sell newspapers. They can say what they want."

Management, including Karl, is hoping the possibility of a suspension might scare Smith straight. Then again, Smith has already had two suspensions for off-court behavior, served 24 days in jail last summer for his role in a fatal car crash and had countless pep talks from the coaching staff. Karl is open to anyone helping Smith realize he needs to be more coachable.

"I don't care who — if the janitor or security guard can help J.R., that's fine by me," Karl said. "Do I wish J.R. would be more in tune to our coaching — and not just my coaching, but our coaching? Yeah. . . . But it's a process of getting him to where you want him to get.

"I'm a big believer in how you play, more than how well you play. Right now, I'm more concerned about his defensive commitment, his turnovers, his focus on transition run-backs. There's a lot of confusion there on his part and my part. Getting him on the same page — and the same page with his teammates — is something that can change. And what I love about the NBA is it could change in three games."

That said, Smith could find himself suspended for, say, three games, if he continues to challenge Karl, and the organization, with immature antics and not buying into what he's told to do on the court. Karl, Billups and assistant coaches Tim Grgurich and Jamahl Mosley all have tried to reach him.

Billups said Smith is like "a little brother to me," and the two have had long talks about how to present yourself and be a pro. While he hasn't gotten through yet, Billups is confident "J.R.'s going to be fine."

Billups pointed to Smith's work ethic in the gym. Smith, who has been in a prolonged shooting slump, takes extra shots before and after practice.

"The one thing about that slump is, you work your way in, you've got to work your way out," Billups said.

Karl isn't angered specifically by Smith's shooting slump. Smith is 21-for-83 from 3-point range since Dec. 23. What does anger Karl is Smith's mentality on the court.

"I can handle bad shooting if you play hard, play the right way, play disciplined and try to get better," Karl said. "His shot selection, at times, stinks. But that's part of being disciplined. We have given him that freedom, and at times he's extended that freedom to the point where it's beneath the line."

Larry Brown, who coached Detroit to the NBA title with Billups as his point guard, was in town Monday. Asked about coaching lightning-rod players such as Allen Iverson, he said: "There are always bumps in the road, but they don't last, and as long as you deal with them right away, it then seems to be less a crisis than you might make it out to be. Players know you care. If you let them do what they want, it affects the team. At the end of the day, I know George cares about his players. He's going to always try to do what's right for them."

Tumultuous timeline

Per usual, it has been a roller-coaster season for Nuggets guard J.R. Smith. NBA writer Benjamin Hochman looks at five moments from this turbulent season:

Sept. 25: Smith arrives at media day and promises change, following 24 days in jail for his role in a fatal car crash: "Actions speak louder than words," he says.

Nov. 13: He showcases gritty defense against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. His performance earns praise from coach George Karl.

Dec. 23: Though many come with the game in hand, Smith hits 10 3-pointers in a blowout of Atlanta. Karl talks afterward about respecting the game.

Jan. 9: Smith shoots just 2-for-8 and struggles defensively in a loss at Sacramento.

Jan. 23: Smith plays terribly in 12 minutes, and his pouting on the bench causes the Denver brass to discuss a possible suspension.