A player that could truly contribute at a high level off the bench for Boylen and the Chicago Bulls is the former Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard/wing JR Smith. A player that averaged more than 10 points per game mostly off the bench while shooting better than 38 percent from three-point range during his time with the Cavaliers should be worth more looks than he’s getting now.
What Smith and Stephenson both hold in common is the fact that they are both veteran guards/wings that are former LeBron sidekicks. Smith and Stephenson both had reg flags in the past, but both also can contribute off the bench at another level compared to other wing options remaining on the open market at this position.
JR Smith will have a free-agent meeting with the Bucks today in Milwaukee, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Bucks are searching for a wing shooter and both sides will have opportunity to sit down.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2019
In-game blunders and off-the-court distractions aside, Smith fits a lot of the needs the Bulls still have left to address for the coming season. Smith is a solid outside shooter and can be a decent volume scorer deeper in the rotation. Filling wing depth is exactly what Smith would bring to the table. And he’s sizable at 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds.
According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic earlier in the summer, the Milwaukee Bucks were set to meet with Smith. Nothing came of that reported meeting yet. Smith was also anticipated to sign with the Lakers and be reunited with LeBron when the Cavs officially parted ways with him. Nothing came of that suspicion either yet.