The Houston Rockets have been in search for the perfect stretch-4 to fit their patented offense that treats the midrange area of the court like hot lava. It’s why they made a run at Chris Bosh last summer and it’s why they threw themselves into the ring for LaMarcus Aldridge this summer.
The Rockets are still waiting for that ideal fit at the 4, but they have a plethora of power forwards to choose from all the same. Well, a plethora minus one now that Josh Smith has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Houston is coming off an incredibly impressive season. They became the ninth team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 playoff series deficit, their best player finished second in the MVP race and they made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals before losing to a historically great Golden State Warriors team.
That’s not a bad one-year turnaround after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2014.
But when Josh Smith turned down Houston’s $2.5 million offer to remain in Clutch City, the Rockets’ hopes of furthering their 2014-15 success dampened. As they try to build on their impressive season and prove that last year was more than a one-year fluke, here’s a look at what impact J-Smoove’s departure will have on the Rockets and how they can overcome it.
Next: Why The Loss Of J-Smoove Hurts