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Karl says mistake-prone Smith won't play

Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 2, 2007 at midnight

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SAN ANTONIO - With two words, J.R. Smith's postseason appeared to come to an end Tuesday.

"He's done."

That was the succinct proclamation from Nuggets coach George Karl, who has no tolerance left for Smith's ill-advised shots, missed defensive assignments and mental lapses against San Antonio.

Karl's breaking point came in Game 4 on Monday. With the Nuggets trailing 93-89, Smith missed badly on a three-point attempt with 27 seconds to play instead of passing to Allen Iverson or Carmelo Anthony.

San Antonio put the game out of reach by making 3-of-4 free throws and seized a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Smith further infuriated Karl by taking a long three-point shot with less than 10 seconds to go.

"Of course, the one with 8 seconds to go from 50 feet - I just love that," Karl said, his sarcasm unmistakable. "I love the dignity of the game being insulted."

Smith, with no previous playoff experience, had several chances to prove himself as a valuable role player but hasn't looked comfortable against a more experienced San Antonio team.

Smith said he had not talked with Karl and was unaware of his pending benching.

"I did what I was supposed to do - penetrate, get other guys open, play defense," he said. "I guess it wasn't enough."

After shooting 39 percent on three-pointers during the regular season, Smith is 0-of-12 in the series. He also has struggled to guard Spurs super-sub Manu Ginobili and a careless pass in Game 3 helped turn the tide of the series.

Asked why he used Smith in Game 4, Karl rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"He's a good-bad player. You evaluate his good, you evaluate his bad," Karl said. "He had good plays in Game 3 and he had good plays in Game 4, but you've just got to be mentally more secure and tougher than he showed in Game 4."

With Smith apparently out of the rotation, Karl said he might turn to veteran guard Anthony Carter or rookie guard Yakhouba Diawara. Neither has played in the series and each brings something different to the table.

Carter, signed as an emergency backup to Iverson or Steve Blake, is not much of a shooter but can take care of the ball and chase Ginobili for short periods.

"I think I can come in and set the tone, set a defensive presence, just get the ball to the scorers, whatever it takes," Carter said. "I've been in this situation before and I know what it takes to win. . . . I think we're in a situation where it's time to make a change."

Diawara, known as a defensive specialist, was a part-time starter during the regular season but played 10 minutes or less in 20 of the Nuggets' final 23 games.

"Looking forward to have opportunity," Diawara said. "I'm anxious to get in there and help the team."