Knicks sign JR Smith, waive Balkman

The Celtics sure could use a little instant offense off the bench. A guy like J.R. Smith could be a nice fit talent-wise. The thing is, the Celtics only have the veterans minimum to offer him while other teams can pay him more.

By John Canzano, The Oregonian View full sizeThe Associated Press/2009The pursuit of JR Smith, a free agent who played for Denver before going to China, offers a glimpse of what the Blazers are up against in trying to fill out their roster.

By John Canzano, The Oregonian View full sizeThe Associated Press/2009The pursuit of JR Smith, a free agent who played for Denver before going to China, offers a glimpse of what the Blazers are up against in trying to fill out their roster.

The J.R. Smith deal has yet to be signed, sources said. The Knicks are offering him the player option for 2012-'13. JR Smith strikes me as part Starks, part Spree. I think NYC is going to love and hate but mostly love him

By Arash Markazi The Los Angeles Clippers players who had played with JR Smith were confident that the free agent guard would eventually sign with the Clippers. In the end, those who didn't know Smith as well but predicted he would sign with the team