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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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May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

San Antonio Spurs

The departure of Tim Duncan won’t be an easy one to swallow for the San Antonio Spurs. Not only did they lose their defensive anchor in the middle, but they lost David West and Boris Diaw to the Warriors and Jazz respectively.

The Diaw move had to be done to add Pau Gasol, but the reality is that the Spurs will likely be considerably worse defensively than last season and less athletic.

The team struggled against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs as a result of their inability to keep up with the Thunder’s athleticism; as well as an inability to force the defense to collapse and create open shots.

If Gregg Popovich can control him, Josh Smith could be able to address some of those needs.

The Spurs best chance next season may come from staggering the minutes of Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge. Both are talented, but can struggle on the defensive side of the floor.

While Aldridge did improve on that end last season, it’ll be interesting to see how he plays without a safety blanket in Duncan. The duo also is pretty slow getting up and down the floor.

Playing either of them next to Smith can help open things up in transition, as well as in the halfcourt through the pick and roll.

If you believe in the power of the Spurs culture and their ability to maximize a player like Smith, then this could be a strong fit for the athletic forward.

Next: Toronto Raptors