Dribbles: Did Cavs overpay JR Smith?

Random dribbles on the Cavaliers' re-signing of J.R. Smith: 1.Wait a minute. How much did Iman Shumpert sign for last season? That's the first thing I asked

Random dribbles on the Cavaliers' re-signing of J.R. Smith:

1.Wait a minute. How much did Iman Shumpert sign for last season? That's the first thing I asked after learning Smith inked a contract believed to be worth $57 million over four years.

2. The answer to the Shumpert question: Four years and $40 million. So Shumpert made $5 million more than Smith during the Cavaliers' run to the championship.

3. Shumpert wasn't near the player Smith was. Shumpert was often a liability on offense and had perhaps his worst year as a defender. Injuries had something to do with that. But several sources around the league also believe Shumpert got paid, then quickly became "all about the lifestyle."

4. In other words, some within the organization began to wonder if Shumpert was starting to make basketball his third or fourth priority -- behind things such as appearing in music videos and hopes of a rap career. His arrest on DUI suspicion this summer did nothing to help his image with basketball people.

5. This isn't meant to trash Shumpert. But his arrest and career-lows of 5.8 points and 37 percent shooting are facts that cannot be disputed.

6. Meanwhile, Smith was extremely determined on defense and clutch on offense, particularly in the playoffs. One opposing coach told me Smith defended Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson "significantly better than anyone else in the league."

7. So not only was Smith a considerably better offensive player than Shumpert, but last season, Smith was the superior defender. The Cavs probably overpaid to keep Shumpert two summers ago. And they probably overpaid to re-sign Smith. But after the Shumpert contract, it was the right thing to do.

8. The key for Smith is to avoid a season like Shumpert's after getting paid. Free agency tends to make guys play great. Then they get their money and … well, we've all seen it.

9. Still, it's hard to envision Smith falling into that trap. He truly loves the game. It also helps that he has LeBron James constantly in his ear. James makes more than anyone, but seems to work harder with each contract. Tristan Thompson also played like a champion after getting his new deal last summer. And thankfully, Shumpert appears to be approaching training camp with a new sense of purpose.

10. My lone issue with Smith's contract? I don't like the idea of the Cavs paying him more than $14 million when he turns 35 years old. I would have preferred the deal be for three years. Most guys' legs start to give by 35, especially if those guys are guards.

11. But if it means another title or two, hey, what's the harm? Several news outlets reported that the fourth year isn't fully guaranteed anyway.

12. Bottom line: The Cavs and their starting shooting guard are together again, and that can only be considered a good thing. And if the Cavs and Smith are happy off the court, the result should be more good things to come on it.