Josh Smith: Making a Case For and Against for Cavs

Dec 21, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons small forward Josh Smith (6) defended by the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Contenders for Josh Smith

Sacramento Kings

The Kings were interested in Smith this off-season but could not get the Pistons to budge. Looking back that move seems like a bad one for SVG. Now that he is free the Kings could be very interesting to Smith. With DeMarcus Cousins at the center position and Rudy Gay taking care of the small forward spot, the Kings could have a natural starting spot for Smith. The Kings have a glut of so-so power forwards but none that would get in the way of JSmoove starting.

The Kings do not have a known connection with Smith, which could help other contenders lure him in. The Kings also sit 2 games out in the very tough Western Conference with no sure shot of making the playoffs, much less a deep run if they get in. Smith may likely be concerned with the amount of shots he would get surrounded by Gay and Cousins as well.

While the Kings will likely pursue him, Smith is likely to go someplace that he has a chance to shine on a national stage, therein helping his next contract, and team up with coaches or players that he trusts. The Kings are not that team but still stand an outside chance based on their need for a starting power forward. (Watch out for a wink-wink deal here.)

Houston Rockets

The Rockets have reported interested in Smith as well. Smoove’s relationship with Dwight Howard is reportedly very close and the two have been connected in rumors in the past. The Rockets have a good team that also has an opening for a solid starting power forward. The Rockets also are squarely in contention in the Western Conference, currently sitting in the 4th seed. Smith could also be very attracted to the spread the floor, shoot the 3s style that the Rockets run.

The Rockets may be turned off quickly by Smith’s 3 point shooting. This year he is shooting 24% from beyond the arc, on more than an attempt a game. Last year he shot 26% on almost three and a half a game. He likes to shoot 3s, the Rockets like to shoot 3s but the Rockets like efficiency. His highest 3 point mark was 30%, two years ago before he got his big contract.

The Rockets are a big player for Smith but do they want him? They are also playing very well, will they want to disrupt chemistry? Smith could also be looking for a place where he could get more credit for a team winning, Houston is not that team as James Harden and Howard would get most of the credit.

Next: But the Clippers and Mavericks are in the Discussion as well