During a recent episode of "The Pivot" podcast, former Cavs swingman J.R. Smith said the organization has not invited him back since he retired in 2020. He reminded listeners that he helped bring Cleveland its first NBA championship a decade earlier and demanded the franchise look after its former players. “You should take care of your players,” Smith said. “I won a whole chip in Cleveland, they haven’t invited me back once, and it’s been 10 years.”

Smith’s claim rests on a tangible contribution. In the 2016 playoffs he averaged 11.5 points per game, providing spacing and energy off the bench for a LeBron-James-led squad that erased a 3-1 series lead to defeat the Golden State Warriors. The title remains the franchise’s lone championship, and Smith’s role as a reliable scorer and perimeter defender is still recalled by fans who watched the historic comeback.

Photo: Yahoo Sports

The Cavaliers answered the criticism by sharing a video from a 2022 home game in which the Cleveland crowd rose to cheer Smith while he sat courtside. The accompanying caption read, “@TheRealJRSmith, Cleveland has always loved you, and you’ll ALWAYS have a home here. #LetEmKnow.” The post underscored that the organization still values the memory of the 2016 run, even if a formal invitation has not materialized.

The same franchise that posted the tribute reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2026 before being swept by the New York Knicks, who went on to capture the NBA title. Smith, who spent four seasons with the Knicks, noted that New York treats its former players better than any other club. His observation highlights a contrast between the Knicks’ more public alumni celebrations and Cleveland’s comparatively restrained approach.

From a front-office perspective, Cleveland has emphasized salary-cap flexibility and the development of younger talent, leaving limited bandwidth for extensive alumni ceremonies. Yet the 2022 video demonstrates a willingness to acknowledge past contributors in a cost-effective way. A deeper engagement, such as an invitation to a preseason event, could turn a social-media post into a tangible gesture that reinforces the franchise’s historical narrative and keeps the 2016 championship alive for the fan base.