What Happened to Earl Joseph "J. R." Smith III?
J.R. Smith, a two-time NBA champion known for his dynamic scoring and charismatic personality, transitioned from a 16-year professional basketball career to an unexpected second act as a college student-athlete. He enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University in 2021, joining their golf team, and is set to graduate in May 2026, having embraced higher education and a new athletic passion.
Quick Answer
After a successful 16-year NBA career, winning championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016) and Los Angeles Lakers (2020), J.R. Smith retired from professional basketball. He subsequently enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University in 2021, where he became a member of the Aggies' golf team. As of May 2026, Smith is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies-Applied Cultural Thought, fulfilling a personal goal and inspiring others through his collegiate journey.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in Freehold, New Jersey
Earl Joseph 'J. R.' Smith III was born in Freehold, New Jersey.
Drafted by New Orleans Hornets
Smith was selected 18th overall in the first round of the 2004 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, entering the league directly from high school.
Named NBA Sixth Man of the Year
While playing for the New York Knicks, J.R. Smith was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for his outstanding performance off the bench.
Wins First NBA Championship with Cleveland Cavaliers
Smith played a crucial role in the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic comeback to win the NBA championship alongside LeBron James.
Waived by Cleveland Cavaliers
After a reduced role and public comments about the team's direction, Smith was waived by the Cavaliers.
Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
Smith signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, reuniting with LeBron James.
Wins Second NBA Championship with Los Angeles Lakers
J.R. Smith secured his second NBA title as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Orlando bubble.
Enrolls at North Carolina A&T State University
Smith announced his enrollment at North Carolina A&T State University to pursue a degree in liberal studies, marking a significant post-NBA career shift.
NCAA Approves Eligibility for College Golf
The NCAA officially approved J.R. Smith's eligibility to play collegiate golf for North Carolina A&T, allowing him to join the Aggies' team.
Competes in First Collegiate Golf Tournament
Smith made his collegiate golf debut at the Phoenix Invitational, representing North Carolina A&T.
Signs NIL Deal with Excel Sports Management
As a college athlete, Smith signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Excel Sports Management, representing his marketability.
Named NC A&T's Academic Athlete of the Year
Smith was recognized as North Carolina A&T's Academic Athlete of the Year after achieving a 4.0 GPA during his first year of college.
Prime Video Releases 'Redefined: J.R. Smith' Docuseries
A docuseries chronicling Smith's transition from NBA star to college student and golfer at North Carolina A&T premiered on Prime Video.
NC A&T Announces Spring 2026 Graduation
North Carolina A&T State University officially announced that J.R. Smith would be graduating during their Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies.
Reflects on HBCU Experience Ahead of Graduation
Smith spoke about the profound impact North Carolina A&T had on him, stating the HBCU experience 'saved' him and expressing his pride in graduating.
Reveals 2016 Cavaliers 10-Year Anniversary Golf Trip Plans
J.R. Smith announced that the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship team is planning a 10-year anniversary golf trip to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Expected Graduation from North Carolina A&T
J.R. Smith is expected to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies-Applied Cultural Thought from North Carolina A&T State University.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
J.R. Smith's journey after his illustrious NBA career has been a testament to personal growth and the pursuit of new challenges. After being drafted directly out of high school in 2004, Smith enjoyed a 16-season career in the NBA, culminating in two championships—one with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and another with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Following his departure from the NBA in 2020, Smith made a surprising and highly publicized decision to enroll in college. In August 2021, he matriculated at North Carolina A&T State University, a historically Black university (HBCU), to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. This move was driven by a desire for a new beginning, a commitment to education, and an aspiration to inspire younger generations, particularly within the Black community. Smith openly stated that the HBCU experience 'saved him' from internal struggles and provided him with a profound sense of community and purpose.
A key turning point in his collegiate journey was the NCAA's approval of his eligibility to play college golf, a sport he had picked up during his NBA years. He joined the North Carolina A&T Aggies men's golf team, balancing academics with competitive collegiate sports. His transition was documented in the Prime Video docuseries "Redefined: J.R. Smith," executive produced by LeBron James. Smith excelled not only on the course but also in the classroom, earning a 4.0 GPA in his first year and being named the university's Academic Athlete of the Year in April 2022.
Smith's presence at North Carolina A&T brought significant attention to the university and HBCU sports, allowing him to sign Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, including one with Excel Sports Management in January 2022. He has used his platform to advocate for greater accessibility and diversity in golf, emphasizing that the sport has a place for everyone.
As of May 6, 2026, J.R. Smith is preparing for a significant milestone: his graduation from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies-Applied Cultural Thought. The university announced his impending graduation in April 2026, with commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 9, 2026. Smith has expressed immense pride in this achievement, viewing it as fulfilling a promise to his mother and a way to give back to the community that embraced him. Furthermore, he recently revealed plans for the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship team to reunite for a 10-year anniversary golf trip to Scotland and Northern Ireland, showcasing his continued connection to both basketball and his newfound passion for golf.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Earl Joseph "J. R." Smith III made different choices?