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NBA Free Agency: 4 Landing Spots For Josh Smith

By Justin Rowan

Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts to a foul call against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts to a foul call against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Smith is still without a team in late August. Despite his flaws, there are several teams that would be wise to take a shot on him.

Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts to a foul call against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts to a foul call against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

How did things go so bad for Josh Smith? The athletic forward appeared to be on a path to becoming an All-Star and defensive force during his early days with the Atlanta Hawks.

His ability to block shots, his strength and length should have made him an ideal power forward in today’s NBA. But inconsistent focus and poor shot selection has made him an outcast in the league.

His departure from the Detroit Pistons in 2014 was followed by the team taking off and finishing the season on a strong run. A run that translated to future success as the young franchise moved on from him.

While the addition-by-subtraction helped Detroit, Smith was able to excel as a role player with the Houston Rockets. He rode that strong finish to a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, who eventually traded him back to Houston.

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It shouldn’t be this way. Smith’s physical abilities and talent are still present, but he seems to bounce from one volatile situation to the next. When looking for matches for Smith in free agency, there are several things to consider.

The team must have a strong structure in place, one that can discipline Smith and keep him in line. It also can’t be a team that is counting on him to be a significant part of their team. He must be considered found money and a gamble that could help a very good team be even better.

The Rockets were a dysfunctional team for many reasons last season. In all likelihood, it may have been one of the worst situations for Smith to be  in. But there are good situations still remaining for him, if he is willing to play for the veteran minimum. Here are some of those spots:

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