CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: J.R. Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against Harrison Barnes #40 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game 3 of the 2016 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

There are those famous Kickstarter successes like the Veronica Mars movie and Mystery Science Theater 3000 that have led people to follow in their footsteps. Not everyone can be as successful as those two fundraiser projects, but people still try. One of those who’s hoping to raise money for a reality show is Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith who is playing in the NBA  Finals.

His project called “Team Swish” would be a scripted reality show involving his family and his bodyguard, Boom. The goal is to raise $450,000 and Smith plans to stream it on his website which is also called “Team Swish.” As of this writing, more than $1,100 has been raised.

Here’s part of the pitch that is on the Kickstarter page:

One of today’s most recognizable players for the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.R. Smith, has made headlines for almost everything other than his hustle and extreme skill set on the basketball court. His notorious NBA bad boy persona consisting of late night partying, women, and all-out brawls, proved to be casual tabloid conversation. But, since his run-ins with the law and the loss of someone who meant the world to him, he’s learned his lessons and turned over a new leaf. Now, he is a loving father, a philanthropist, a reliable teammate and engaged to his sweetheart. It’s time to get to know “The Real J.R. Smith,” and it all starts at home.

A pilot has already been shot and Smith hopes to produce more episodes. And there’s more! There has to be.

JR, his bodyguard, and the entire Team Swish family are committed to showing you the real JR. These are honest and character rich people, who’d like to provide entertainment that speaks to family and love, not degradation and selfishness; they’re dedicated to this endeavor. And, we have award winning executives supporting the project, with a crew that’s willing and extremely able to carry out the job.

Some of the incentives include a signed letter from Smith, another is a t-shirt, a signed picture, being an extra for pledge of $1,250 or being a featured extra for $2,500. For $5,000, you could be a producer and for $10,000, you get a speaking role in the series!

So far, no one has given a pledge higher than $150, but maybe someone will want a speaking role.

It’s all up for grabs if the price is right.

[Sporting News]

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.

He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.

Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

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