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Houston Rockets: Absorbing The Blow Of Josh Smith’s Departure

By Gerald Bourguet

May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs. at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Smith
May 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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