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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 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake celebrates after Toronto Raptors score a basket in a 105-99 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake celebrates after Toronto Raptors score a basket in a 105-99 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are a team looking to make the leap from borderline contender, to contender. In their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was clear that they lacked the depth and athleticism to hang around with the Cavs.

The lack of depth at power forward was exposed in that series, as Luis Scola was unable to defend Kevin Love or LeBron James in small-ball lineups. Patrick Patterson is a very strong defensive 4 who can provide spacing.

But asking him to routinely cover wing players is likely too tall of a task for him.

Their addition of Jared Sullinger this summer was a smart one, and one that gives them a good option against traditional lineups. However, the issue of defending small ball is still present and the team could use a long and athletic 4.

Smith gives Toronto the option to play position-less defense at the forward position alongside DeMarre Carroll and at 6’10” gives the Raptors a lot of length.

While he doesn’t give them the spacing they require, the Raptors have successfully integrated non-shooters in the past and Dwane Casey is a strong locker room presence that can reel Smith in.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers