GREENBURGH, N.Y. – Knicks coach Mike Woodson says J.R. Smith needs to "grow up and do the right things" after the sixth man was suspended five games by the NBA for violating the anti-drug policy.
Woodson said Wednesday he and the players stand behind Smith, but that they all need to "make sure that he understands it's something that can't happen again."
Smith has been in trouble on and off the court during his career but was credited with showing more maturity last season while winning the Sixth Man of the Year award. Then he received a one-game suspension in the playoffs for foolishly throwing an elbow before getting hit with the five-game ban last month.
Smith is recovering from knee surgery, and Woodson doesn't know when he will be able to return.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.