Hooped Up

Is J.R. Smith the missing piece of the puzzle in Cleveland?  Probably not, but Cleveland still wants to try it out.  Personally I think they should sign Jay-Z to Cavalier records to make sure LeBron James stay in town past 2010.  Danny Ferry does not want to see LeBron James on the cover of SLAM magazine with a “Hello Brooklyn” caption.  

The Cavs are talking to Denver about restricted free agent J.R. Smith, and they should go after him hard. The 6-6 Smith is athletic, shot 40 percent on 3-pointers and 46 percent overall while averaging 12.3 points in only 19 minutes a game. With Denver signing wing man Dahntay Jones and being on a binge to cut payroll (they gave Marcus Camby to the Clippers to cut $10 million), it seems Smith should be available.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Allen Iverson has had a difficult time adjusting since he was traded last month to the Denver Nuggets . Playing without the team’s top two scorers hasn’t made his transition any easier.

Iverson will get some help with the return of J.R. Smith on Wednesday when the Nuggets face the San Antonio Spurs at the Pepsi Center.

Denver (17-15) is only 3-6 since acquiring Iverson in a blockbuster trade with Philadelphia on Dec. 20, but has been playing without Smith and league scoring leader Carmelo Anthony , both suspended for their actions in a brawl with the New York Knicks on Dec. 16.