How JR Smith’s view on money changed after winning a title: "We got the money. We don't have the mindset
When athletes come into the NBA, they are usually earning the kind of money they could only dream about growing up. Overnight, their lives change. But not just theirs, also everyone around them. Getting a couple of million a year can be life-changing indeed, but for J.R. Smith, he feels like he could have put his finances to better use.
The two-time NBA champion spent money where he pleased, whether it was frequent nights out at clubs, alcohol and entertainment, or covering fines for his team or the league. However, after his retirement, as is usually the case, it hit him that he could have done more for his community.
"I could have fed my whole community 10 times over with the money I was just [paying in fines for being] late on the bus," Smith said in the 2022 episode of "I Am Athlete" podcast.
J.R. was living life to the fullest
Smith, the 18th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, earned roughly $90 million through his 16-year journey in the Association. On the court, he was known for his extreme leaping ability and the capacity to get hot in a matter of seconds, and for much of his career, he was one of the best spark plugs off the bench in the NBA. His 2012-13 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is proof of that.
However, off the court, Smith was a different animal. A party animal.
Known for his somewhat eccentric personality, J.R. did everything he could to enjoy life to the fullest, and nobody could blame him for that. However, as he grew older and wiser, spending thousands of dollars on bottles or parties began to feel wasteful for the 6'6 guard. Smith does not shy away from the truth, but he wants to pass on a message to future generations as a cautionary tale.
"We got the money. We don't have the mindset. We'd rather go throw $60,000 in a club, in a strip club. Go throw $60,000 than go feed 2,500 people in the hood. Think about it, I can't sit here and be like, I'm a hypocrite, I've done this myself. I've thrown money in the club literally mindlessly, aimlessly, drunk at a bar. Now, I sit back and I'm like, I'm a stupid a-- n----. I could have fed my community 10 times over with the money I was just…" he humbly admitted.
Chasing a degree after an NBA career
Smith carved out a very successful career, and for his antics and, honestly, bloopers, he will always be a fan favorite, the "Henny Goat." For a guy who grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey, a small, blue-collar community, he achieved a lot. After his career, "Swish" began pursuing a degree at North Carolina A&T State University, the largest HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the country. Interestingly, he was also named Academic Athlete of the Year at the university while playing golf. Talk about a journey…
However, if he could change one thing, Smith would use his platform and wealth to feed and uplift his community instead of splurging on things that just gave him a momentary thrill. Ultimately, he hopes his reflection will change someone's perspective on this important topic.
Related: "Their approach was a slap in the face" - Shaquille O'Neal confessed he was furious when the Lakers asked him for a $10M pay cut
Topic: $60k for strip club outing or feed 2,500 community members? (Read 143 times)