J.R. Smith joins local pipefitters union

Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith made history Tuesday when he joined Cleveland-area Pipefitters Local Union No. 120. The union, founded in 1898, is primarily comprised of plumbers, steamfitters, HVAC technicians, and similar workers. Smith is the first active professional athlete to become a member.

“It just seemed like a natural fit,” said Smith, seemingly unaware of the obvious play on words. “It’s always a challenge finding your way in a new city, and I’m honored to be joining an organization of hard-working, like-minded men. I think that this social and professional infrastructure will benefit me in all phases of my life in Cleveland. And to be honest, I feel like holding a union card will lend more legitimacy to my pipefitting.

“Not that I need it,” Smith added with a smirk.

Local 120 Secretary-Treasurer Terry McCafferty said Smith’s candidacy raised some unusual questions, but that his application received unanimous support from the rank and file.

“Let’s be honest,” McCafferty said, “Pipefitting isn’t the most high-profile job out there. We’re proud of our work, but we’re happy to get a little publicity, too. If this helps our guys land more business, that’s great.

“Plus, J.R. is just a really cool guy. Everyone has been having a great time since he started coming around the hall. We’ve had some internal conversations as to when we might tell him what Local 120 actually is and does, but we’re not in any hurry.

“He seems so excited, and I don’t think it’d be right to pop his balloon.”

For his part, Smith seems to have at least perused the union’s history, and invoked it in an exclusive interview with WFNY.

“Local 120 ‘has played a key role in building a stronger Northeast Ohio through our exceptional contributions in the piping industry’ for over one hundred years,” said Smith, quoting the union’s official website. “I mean, that’s me. That’s what I’m about. I’ve been chatting with the guys and we all agree: If you work in pipefitting, you never work a day in your life.

“If I weren’t under contract with the Cavs, I might focus on pipefitting full-time.”

Smith’s agent did not return calls for comment.

The union’s golf chairman, John Kelly, is especially excited about Smith joining given the shooting guard’s affinity for the links. Smith and PGA Tour pro Bubba Watson played a round together in March while the Cavs were on the road in Orlando, with Smith said to have shot in the high 80s or low 90s. Watson complimented Smith’s drive, but said that his short game needs work.

Kelly was not concerned by Smith’s weaknesses on the golf course.

“I mean, everybody’s short game needs work,” said Kelly. “Mine does, Terry’s does, J.R.’s does. That’s no big deal. We have a couple guys who are good with the wedges and on the green, and having a guy like J.R. off the tee will really help us out in best balls and scrambles and that sort of thing.”

Smith sounded eager to join his new brethren on the course. “I’m already pumped for the inter-union tournament this summer. I think this is the year we finally beat those bastards from Local 507,” he said, referring to the local Teamsters Union.

In related news, former Cavalier guard Dion Waiters has reportedly found offseason work as a sign spinner for an Oklahoma City-area Roto-Rooter franchise.

He is scheduled to start on May 1.