Ben Kopelman, TKB Contributor

JR Smith has made his desire to start known, and with Shump’s knee being what it is, there was a time where it looked like Smith would slide into the starting 2.  But if Brewer is healthy, he has to get the nod.

Smith brings an offensive punch off the bench that would be lost in a starter’s role.  Plus, Brewer plays better defense and will be an asset in helping to get Melo and Amare into an offensive rhythm in the opening minutes of games – much more so than JR.

On another note, if Amare is playing, the team might walk the projected starting 5 out on to the court for the first time all off-season on Friday night.