Andrew Bogut’s time with the Cleveland Cavaliers lasted just 58 seconds before he broke his left
tibia. His season is over after treatment for the injury and he will reportedly
soon be waived soon by the Cavs. That downer of a news item was lightened a bit
yesterday when J.R. Smith, who was out with a right thumb injury, returned to
practice. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Smith is questionable for
tonight’s game in Detroit (7:30 ET, NBA LEAGUE PASS):
J.R. Smith returned to the practice floor on Wednesday afternoon, being cleared
for full activity.
“It feels good,” Smith said before hopping on a plane for Detroit. “I finally
got my first practice in, full practice, so it feels good.”
Smith, who has been sidelined since Dec. 20 with a fractured right thumb, is
listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Pistons.
The signs of a return were there during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent
roadtrip, as he hoisted shots on the court prior to games and during
shootarounds. But the official clearance didn’t come until Wednesday.
Originally given a timetable of 12-14 weeks for his recovery, general manager
David Griffin said recently Smith was a little ahead of schedule.
“I’ve always pushed, in this situation, I kind of pushed myself to the limit,”
Smith said. “When I was able to shoot and they told me not to dribble I was
dribbling a little bit. Probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I know my
body.
“Honestly my confidence has gotten higher these last couple days. Being able to
go out there and play the 3-on-3’s and pickup so definitely the last couple of
days my confidence has gotten higher.”
