WASHINGTON – Chris Smith said his brother, J.R. Smith, has “mixed emotions’’ leaving the Knicks but realizes he has a chance “to do something special.’’
With the Knicks in full tank mode, Smith, native of Freehold, NJ, is joining LeBron James in Cleveland, along with Iman Shumpert.
“I’m happy for him,’’ Smith told The Post. “It’s a bitter feeling when you have to leave New York. It’s home. He didn’t want to leave, really. At the same time, he has chance to win a championship and have a new beginning.
“It’s his time again,’’ the younger brother added.
Chris Smith, who is mulling two European offers, made the Knicks roster last season in a controversial move that was seen as being made to pacify J.R., but the fringe prospect was later cut.
J.R. Smith and James have known each other since competing against each other in high school and AAU ball. Chris said they get along well, but isn’t sure if James was responsible for the trade.
“There’s a purpose they brought those guys in,’’ Smith said. “I think he can help them a lot. J.R. can help any team. Cleveland has just added a lot of depth. He realizes it’s a good opportunity. New York is home. It’s mixed emotions.’’
Chris Smith, a former point guard for Louisville, said he was a big fan of Shumpert, the only Knick who visited him in the hospital after he underwent knee surgery during his first training camp with the Knicks in 2012.
“I think they added a lot of versatility,’’ Smith said. “I think J.R. showed he’s capable of playing really good defense this past season. Iman will be healthy and do what he does.’’
Was J.R. miserable during the historic amount of losing?
“It was tough for everybody,’’ Chris Smith said. “Nobody wants to be 5-32. I spoke to him last night, this morning. He’s in good spirits.’’
Smith was shooting just 41 percent, but playing in a bit of pain because of a tear in his plantar fascia. He hasn’t been the same explosive player since having knee surgery after his Sixth Man of the Year season of 2012-13. Phil Jackson traded Smith to clear $6.4 million of cap room for the summer of 2015.
“I don’t think surgery took anything away from him,’’ Chris Smith said. “It took time for him to get going again and play his game. We’ve seen flashes.’’