Earl Joseph “J. R.” Smith III (born September 9, 1985) is a former professional basketball player in the NBA. After playing high school basketball at Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, he entered the NBA in 2004, selected 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets.
Smith also played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China. He won two NBA championships, with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. In 2021, he joined the golf team at North Carolina A&T State University.
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Table of Contents
JR Smith Net Worth
J.R. Smith has a net worth of $35 million. Drafted out of high school in 2004 by the New Orleans Hornets as the 18th overall pick, Smith was known for his sharpshooting. He played for several NBA teams, including the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and briefly with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2013, he signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Knicks, then a two-year, $10.4 million deal with the Cavaliers in 2015. Over his 18-year NBA career, Smith earned more than $90.2 million in salary.
Early life
Born in Freehold Borough, New Jersey, J. R. Smith grew up in the Clarksburg section of Millstone Township, New Jersey. He spent five years in high school, playing for Steinert High and McCorristin Catholic High, before transferring to Lakewood High. After two seasons, he moved to Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in 2002.
Smith excelled in football and baseball but focused solely on basketball in his senior year. After winning co-MVP at the 2004 McDonald’s All-American Game, he declared for the 2004 NBA draft, skipping college.
Career
Selected 18th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, J.R. Smith played two years with the team, earning Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors three times. Traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2006, he set a franchise record with 11 three-pointers in a game.
After a year with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in 2011, he returned to the NBA, joining the New York Knicks and winning NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2013. He won two NBA Championships, first with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and later with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Personal life
J.R. Smith is the son of Ida and Earl Smith, with three brothers and two sisters. His younger brother Chris briefly played with him on the Knicks in 2013–14, and his brother Dimitrius played football at Monmouth University. In August 2016, Smith married Jewel Harris, and they have three daughters together.
Smith has one daughter from a previous relationship. His former teammates Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul are godfathers to his daughters. In September 2024, he welcomed a son with actress Candice Patton, whom he has been with since 2019.
How Many Championship Rings Does JR Smith Have?
JR Smith has won two NBA championships, first with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and later with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, solidifying his legacy in professional basketball.
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Conclusion
JR Smith’s career arc from a high school basketball prodigy to an NBA champion and a millionaire is a story of talent, perseverance, and adaptability. His journey reflects the potential of sports as a pathway to both personal and financial success.
FAQs about JR Smith’s Net Worth
- What contributed to JR Smith’s net worth?
- His NBA salary, endorsements, and wise financial management.
- What are some career highlights for JR Smith?
- Winning two NBA championships and being known as a significant scorer in the league.
- What is JR Smith doing now after retiring from the NBA?
- He is pursuing his education and has shown interest in golf.
- Did JR Smith receive any individual awards in the NBA?
- Yes, he was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year.
- How has JR Smith’s personal life influenced his career?
- His family and relationships have been a central part of his life, influencing his public persona and decisions both on and off the court.
