INDEPENDENCE: What may be the toughest of J.R. Smith’s 13 seasons in the NBA got a little brighter Wednesday.
Smith was cleared to participate in his first full practice since fracturing his right thumb on Dec. 20 and was listed as questionable for Thursday night’s game against the Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Asked if Smith looked rusty, associate head coach Larry Drew, running the 90-minute session in the absence of ailing coach Tyronn Lue, said, “He didn’t shoot it rusty.”
But Drew wasn’t certain Smith will play against the Pistons.
“We’ll see how he’s feeling after going today.