Reports: JR Smith was suspended by the Cavs for throwing soup at an assistant coach

What's the story?

JR Smith was suspended by the Cleveland Cavaliers for one game due to misconduct. Multiple sources have told ESPN that the reason for JR Smith's one-game suspension was throwing food at an assistant coach.

In case you didn't know...

JR Smith was drafted 18th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Hornets straight out of high school. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2013.

The heart of the matter

JR Smith threw a bowl of soup at assistant coach Damon Jones; who was a former player for the Cavs. Jones returned back to Cleveland in 2014 and started as an assistant coach for the Cavs G League counterpart, Canton Charge, and worked his way up to his current position in the NBA.

ESPN has confirmed with Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue that Smith will return to practice on Friday morning and resume his starting role when they play the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

The Cavs lost the game that Smith was suspended on Thursday evening as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated Cleveland 108-97 behind 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists from NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Ben Simmons.

Rodney Hood started in Smith's absence and added 11 points on 5-for-14 shooting from the field. He also tallied 5 rebounds and 5 assists. On the season, Smith is averaging 8.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.9 APG.

What's next?

The Cleveland Cavaliers (36-25) are currently third in the Eastern Conference, but only 3 games ahead of the seventh-placed Milwaukee Bucks. On Saturday evening, they will take on the Denver Nuggets (33-28) who are currently eighth in the Western Conference.

Author's take...

That is definitely some odd behavior even for a player who is known for his odd actions. His scoring is down over 4 points per game from his career average; one has to wonder if Lue may start Hood regularly going forward after this incident.