DENVER — J.R. Smith is pledging more maturity this season, a promise he's made in the past.

The sharp-shooting Denver Nuggets guard realizes that some will believe it, while some will remain skeptical. That's fine with him. He knows he's changed.

It's been a sobering offseason for the 24-year-old Smith, who spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility after pleading guilty to reckless driving.

Hanging out in an isolated cell, Smith had time for reflection. What he took away from his stint in jail was simple — wake up each day with a purpose.

"Know every time that I do something it doesn't affect just me," said Smith, whose 3-point shooting last season helped the Nuggets advance to the Western Conference finals. "It affects my family, my friends, my team, players and coaches."

Smith admitted driving an SUV through a stop sign and colliding with a car in June 2007. His friend, 21-year-old Andre Bell, later died from his injuries.

At his sentencing last June, Smith expressed his remorse, saying "I am deeply sorry. I never intended for this to happen."

Wanda Bell wandered over to Smith at the court hearing, giving him a hug and telling him that she loved him.

REPLAYS

ADDITIONS APPROVED

NBA referees will be able to use instant replay on shot-clock and out-of-bounds calls this season.

The NBA Board of Governors approved the expanded use yesterday.

Referees will be permitted to check replay to see if the 24-second clock expired before a successful shot or a foul. They can also consult video during the last 2 minutes of regulation and any overtime period to determine which player last touched the ball prior to it going out of bounds.

ELSEWHERE

Bucks: Milwaukee cut Dominic James to allow the former Marquette guard the chance to play in Europe. James was one of four point guards in Bucks camp and the only one without a guaranteed contract.

Wizards: Gilbert Arenas took part in five-on-five halfcourt drills at Washington's practice yesterday in Richmond, Va., after sitting out scrimmages the previous two days. Arenas has been active during camp but a dislocated finger sidelined him for the scrimmages.