Hoopsmiths: J. R. and Chris Learn Teamwork

J.R. and Chris both have dreams of playing in the NBA, but they quickly realize they cant do it alone. Join these two brothers on their quest of commitment as they learn the value of teamwork and work toward achieving their ultimate goal!

Earl Joseph Smith Jr., better known as J.R. Smith, was born in New Jersey in 1985. J.R. was a star member of the St. Benedicts High School basketball team before entering the NBA Draft in 2004. He spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the then New Orleans Hornets before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2006. During the 2011 lockout, J.R. played in China, leading the league in scoring and making the All Star Game. He then returned to the NBA with the New York Knicks, playing alongside his brother, Chris. J.R. now plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he won a championship with in 2016. During the offseason, J.R. returns to his hometown of Millstone, New Jersey, with his wife and kids to be near the rest of his family and the place he calls home.

Chris Smith was born in New Jersey in 1987. Growing up, Chris was a three sport athlete playing basketball, football, and baseball. In high school, Chris scored over 1,300 points as a member of the Lakewood High School basketball team before finishing his career at St. Benedicts High School. Chris played college basketball for two years at Manhattan College before transferring to the University of Louisville, where he was a member of their 2012 Final Four team. Chris went on to play in the NBA for the New York Knicks with his older brother, J.R. Chris has also played professionally in Canada and Israel.