J.R. Smith: 'I'd run through a brick wall for Coach'

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is player who needs to be wanted. When he was traded to the Cavs last year, he was embraced by the Cavs - he and LeBron James go way back - and noted that he was playing better in Cleveland because there was less partying.

Smith is also a big of Cavs coach David Blatt. Via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com:

"First things first, before we get into basketball, Coach really cares about me as a person," Smith said when asked about why being a Cavalier has been so good for him. "That's one of the first coaches I've had that actually cared about me off the court more than on the court, so it was that much easier for me to play for him and give my all because I know he cares about me as a person.

"When you have someone like that behind you it's so much easier just to play. I'd run through a brick wall for Coach."

This cool on two fronts. It's good to see Smith feeling comfortable and it's good to see that Blatt is winning over players in the locker room.