Report: Pistons would trade Smith if possible

[DBC10]

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/ ... hey-could/

Josh Smith is having the worst season of his career.

Playing far too much small forward, a position he can handle only in select matchups, his defense has really fallen off. Though Smith defends power forwards well, his his lack of speed on the perimeter kills his ability to chase wings around screens. He’s also taking way too many jumpers and not getting inside enough, an issue that exists no matter which forward position he’s playing.

Some of that is Smith fault, and some of that is the Pistons’. But it’s all the Pistons’ problem.

The Pistons signed Smith to a four-year, $54 million contract last summer, and they’ll have to pay him all that money – or find someone else to do it.

Chris Broussard of ESPN:

The Josh Smith experiment in Detroit is not going well, and there’s strong opinion around the league that the Pistons would trade him if they could — and “could” is the key word. Since Smith is in the first year of a four-year, $56 million deal, he is one of the most untradable players in the league.

If the Pistons are desperate to trade Smith, that’s something people around the league would know, because that would mean the Pistons are calling around to shop him.

That would also jive with the Pistons’ reported plan to keep Greg Monroe.

Here are a few Smith trade ideas, from least appealing to most appealing from a Pistons perspective:

Smith to the Celtics for Gerald Wallace (three years remaining on his contract) – with Keith Bogans (zero remaining guaranteed years) included to make salaries match
Smith to the Knicks for Andrea Bargnani (two years remaining)
Smith to the Bobcats for Ben Gordon (expiring contract)
Smith to the Suns for Emeka Okafor (expiring contract whose salary is partially covered by insurance)
Some of those players would make the Pistons a little better, some a little worse. But that’s not the point here. These deals are totally about the contracts.

Gordon would be the most interesting deal of the four. The Pistons actually traded Gordon and a first-round pick to Charlotte to clear the cap room used to sign Smith. The Bobcats could really use a power forward, and Smith would fit relatively well in Charlotte.

But would Dumars so publically admit a mistake? After all, the series of transactions – trading Gordon and a pick for Corey Maggette’s expiring contract, signing Smith, trading Smith for Gordon – would essentially leave the Pistons nothing to show for their troubles except a lost first-round pick.

In a completely logical world, those previous moves wouldn’t matter. They’re sunk costs. If trading Smith for Gordon improves the Pistons’ outlook now, they should do it.

Obviously, it doesn’t always work that way.

But much earlier in his tenure, Dumars’ biggest strength was his ability to admit and fix mistakes.

He whiffed on the Mateen Cleaves pick, but sent the former Michigan State point guard to the Kings after just one year for Jon Barry (a strong backup during the Pistons’ resurgance) and a first-round pick that became Carlos Delfino.
The next year, Dumars drafted Rodney White, another bust. Again, he traded White after just one year to the Nuggets for a do-over first-rounder – which was eventually part of the Rasheed Wallace trade and, coincidentally, used to select Smith.
When Ben Wallace left Detroit, Dumars gave Nazr Mohammed a long contract to replace him. But after just a season-and-a-half with the Pistons, Mohammed was sent to Charlotte for spare parts.
Would Dumars repeat that productive, though self-deprecating. approach here? Would he admit his mistake and dump Smith for simply a shorter contract?

Perhaps the better question: Can he?

Pretty much what most of us already know.

[sc8581]

Sounds like an assumption to me

[haulerch]

I agree, sounds like an assumption rather than fact.

Personally, I would rather keep Smith over Monroe if it comes down to having to trade one. But Moose coming off the bench would instantly make this team better, especially if we can acquire a shooter via an expiring contract.

[tommytucker]

This was written by Dan Feldman, just a fan like the rest of us. He has absolutely zero insider information, so you are right to be skeptical.

[Han Solo]

I'd rather keep Smith at the 4 and trade Moose.. Get Smith closer watch all of his production go up. Tell him lay off the 3's. At the 4, it will work better. We need a capable 3 too.

[DetroitSho]

I'd rather keep Smith at the 4 and trade Moose.. Get Smith closer watch all of his production go up. Tell him lay off the 3's. At the 4, it will work better. We need a capable 3 too.

The fact that people actually believe this when there's years of data supporting the exact opposite is beyond me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

[DBC10]

I'd rather keep Smith at the 4 and trade Moose.. Get Smith closer watch all of his production go up. Tell him lay off the 3's. At the 4, it will work better. We need a capable 3 too.

The fact that people actually believe this when there's years of data supporting the exact opposite is beyond me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

It's as if nobody actually read the Jsmoove Highlights thread. He's not changing, he's in his prime, and there's no evidence to suggest he will either.

[Q00]

I'd rather keep Smith at the 4 and trade Moose.. Get Smith closer watch all of his production go up. Tell him lay off the 3's. At the 4, it will work better. We need a capable 3 too.

The fact that people actually believe this when there's years of data supporting the exact opposite is beyond me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

It's as if nobody actually read the Jsmoove Highlights thread. .

yeah because people always form their opinions on players from highlight threads on realgm

ya'll are obsessed with Smith. If you don't like him or the team then stop watching. Spending 24/7 complaining about it is pathetic.

[DBC10]

The fact that people actually believe this when there's years of data supporting the exact opposite is beyond me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

It's as if nobody actually read the Jsmoove Highlights thread. .

yeah because people always form their opinions on players from highlight threads on realgm

ya'll are obsessed with Smith. If you don't like him or the team then stop watching. Spending 24/7 complaining about it is pathetic.

"Highlights" is being facetious to the highest order. Plus, the thread actually had constructive criticism along with sarcasm anyways. I'm sure you read it as well. And does it really matter where the criticism comes from, as long as nobody actually proves it to the contrary, then it stands.

I'm being open minded about Smith (to the whole argument in general), but that doesn't mean I won't point out his inherent flaws in his game and make sure people don't get confused who Josh Smith is. And it doesn't have to regress to "you don't like it, then gtfo" mindset either since that kills reasonable discourse.

[Snakebites]

I don't believe this guy has any special information, but I do believe what he says is true.

[ComboGuardCity]

Chris Brousssard is speculating and always has been.

[haulerch]

Let me start off by saying that If the right offer came along for ANY player on this team I would take it. But to me, trading Josh Smith (which is impossible) isn't the answer. The guy is a valuable player who is having a tough season because he is being asked by management to be something he is not, which is 'the man'. In ATL, Josh had guys like Joe Johnson and Al Horford ahead of him in terms of better options. And while he has always been a player that can be downright maddening to fans, he is a very good all around player.

In Detroit, you obviously have a team that is just a bunch of good players thrown together without care to how the puzzle fits. Who other than Smith is going to take these shots (Yes, they are not great shots always) but BJ is wildly inconsistent, KCP is not ready, Monroe can't hit a jumper, and Drummond is developing a post game. The guy would be a GREAT fit next to Drummond with better pieces around him while also taking away some of his shots (I know he will never stop taking 3's but at least decrease his attempts).

I like Monroe. I think the guy has an old school post game and he can pass. But he does not fit next to Drummond at all. Smith (while he has deficiencies) is a good fit with his athleticism, mid range ability, and defense at the 4. Monroe is a nice player, but doesn't fit. We're not going to pay the guy max money to come off the bench and I would rather get a piece in exchange for our best trade asset instead of holding on to guys to long.

[DetroitSho]

The fact that people actually believe this when there's years of data supporting the exact opposite is beyond me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

It's as if nobody actually read the Jsmoove Highlights thread. .

yeah because people always form their opinions on players from highlight threads on realgm

ya'll are obsessed with Smith. If you don't like him or the team then stop watching. Spending 24/7 complaining about it is pathetic.

Dude stop crying. Nobody is complaining or saying they don't like Josh. The poster made a statement that is factually incorrect and I reminded him that it was. You're right, we're obsessed..........with facts. And you're apparently obsessed with being Josh's bestie.



Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Hotmayo]

Let me start off by saying that If the right offer came along for ANY player on this team I would take it. But to me, trading Josh Smith (which is impossible) isn't the answer. The guy is a valuable player who is having a tough season because he is being asked by management to be something he is not, which is 'the man'. In ATL, Josh had guys like Joe Johnson and Al Horford ahead of him in terms of better options. And while he has always been a player that can be downright maddening to fans, he is a very good all around player.

In Detroit, you obviously have a team that is just a bunch of good players thrown together without care to how the puzzle fits. Who other than Smith is going to take these shots (Yes, they are not great shots always) but BJ is wildly inconsistent, KCP is not ready, Monroe can't hit a jumper, and Drummond is developing a post game. The guy would be a GREAT fit next to Drummond with better pieces around him while also taking away some of his shots (I know he will never stop taking 3's but at least decrease his attempts).

I like Monroe. I think the guy has an old school post game and he can pass. But he does not fit next to Drummond at all. Smith (while he has deficiencies) is a good fit with his athleticism, mid range ability, and defense at the 4. Monroe is a nice player, but doesn't fit. We're not going to pay the guy max money to come off the bench and I would rather get a piece in exchange for our best trade asset instead of holding on to guys to long.

Amen brother

[E-Z]

Trading Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings would be awesome. Near impossible, I'm sure of it.

Greg Monroe is awesome, however he needs to really do something about his P&R defense. Detroit would improve drastically if so.

[MrBigShot]

The fact that people actually believe this when there's years of data supporting the exact opposite is beyond me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using RealGM Forums mobile app

It's as if nobody actually read the Jsmoove Highlights thread. .

yeah because people always form their opinions on players from highlight threads on realgm

ya'll are obsessed with Smith. If you don't like him or the team then stop watching. Spending 24/7 complaining about it is pathetic.

This was one of the key posts in the highlight thread:



It's undeniable evidence that whether Smith has played SF or PF this season, his shot selection has been extremely similar. He thinks he's Ray Allen and takes away opportunities from other guys while scoring on some of the worst efficiency in the league. His overall FG is garbage. His 3pt% is garbage. His FT% is awful as well.

He's had a really bad season. That's just the truth. I don't think moving him to PF and trading Monroe will change that...Josh will continue jacking jumpers and Cheeks won't say anything about it.

[DBC10]

It's as if nobody actually read the Jsmoove Highlights thread. .

yeah because people always form their opinions on players from highlight threads on realgm

ya'll are obsessed with Smith. If you don't like him or the team then stop watching. Spending 24/7 complaining about it is pathetic.

This was one of the key posts in the highlight thread:



It's undeniable evidence that whether Smith has played SF or PF this season, his shot selection has been extremely similar. He thinks he's Ray Allen and takes away opportunities from other guys while scoring on some of the worst efficiency in the league. His overall FG is garbage. His 3pt% is garbage. His FT% is awful as well.

He's had a really bad season. That's just the truth. I don't think moving him to PF and trading Monroe will change that...Josh will continue jacking jumpers and Cheeks won't say anything about it.

Let's see, we have a PF that refuses to get down low except the occasional slashing or two dribble off balance spin hookshot (And we saw how infrequently he went down low in that same thread). He can't shoot but still puts up volume shooting that makes Rudy Gay (Pre-SAC trade) proud. Provides good defense but falls asleep at times as well as ball watching to gamble for steals.

I don't understand the logic that Smith is any more better fit than how Monroe isn't. At best, he's going to be marginally better overall but better on defense at times. All the arguments to trade Moose boils down to, he can't shoot and he doesn't provide good defense. Josh can't shoot either but somehow he's a better fit? Based on what? Defense? Good luck with all that defense when our lane is still clogged with defenders sagging. He's still going to shoot you out of games because of it.

[sc8581]

yeah because people always form their opinions on players from highlight threads on realgm

ya'll are obsessed with Smith. If you don't like him or the team then stop watching. Spending 24/7 complaining about it is pathetic.

This was one of the key posts in the highlight thread:



It's undeniable evidence that whether Smith has played SF or PF this season, his shot selection has been extremely similar. He thinks he's Ray Allen and takes away opportunities from other guys while scoring on some of the worst efficiency in the league. His overall FG is garbage. His 3pt% is garbage. His FT% is awful as well.

He's had a really bad season. That's just the truth. I don't think moving him to PF and trading Monroe will change that...Josh will continue jacking jumpers and Cheeks won't say anything about it.

Let's see, we have a PF that refuses to get down low except the occasional slashing or two dribble off balance spin hookshot (And we saw how infrequently he went down low in that same thread). He can't shoot but still puts up volume shooting that makes Rudy Gay (Pre-SAC trade) proud. Provides good defense but falls asleep at times as well as ball watching to gamble for steals.

I don't understand the logic that Smith is any more better fit than how Monroe isn't. At best, he's going to be marginally better overall but better on defense at times. All the arguments to trade Moose boils down to, he can't shoot and he doesn't provide good defense. Josh can't shoot either but somehow he's a better fit? Based on what? Defense? Good luck with all that defense when our lane is still clogged with defenders sagging. He's still going to shoot you out of games because of it.

Don't forget if we keep Monroe instead of Smith we have to pay him the max this summer and will likely get negative trade value back in a Smith deal.

[DBC10]

This was one of the key posts in the highlight thread:



It's undeniable evidence that whether Smith has played SF or PF this season, his shot selection has been extremely similar. He thinks he's Ray Allen and takes away opportunities from other guys while scoring on some of the worst efficiency in the league. His overall FG is garbage. His 3pt% is garbage. His FT% is awful as well.

He's had a really bad season. That's just the truth. I don't think moving him to PF and trading Monroe will change that...Josh will continue jacking jumpers and Cheeks won't say anything about it.

Let's see, we have a PF that refuses to get down low except the occasional slashing or two dribble off balance spin hookshot (And we saw how infrequently he went down low in that same thread). He can't shoot but still puts up volume shooting that makes Rudy Gay (Pre-SAC trade) proud. Provides good defense but falls asleep at times as well as ball watching to gamble for steals.

I don't understand the logic that Smith is any more better fit than how Monroe isn't. At best, he's going to be marginally better overall but better on defense at times. All the arguments to trade Moose boils down to, he can't shoot and he doesn't provide good defense. Josh can't shoot either but somehow he's a better fit? Based on what? Defense? Good luck with all that defense when our lane is still clogged with defenders sagging. He's still going to shoot you out of games because of it.

Don't forget if we keep Monroe instead of Smith we have to pay him the max this summer and will likely get negative trade value back in a Smith deal.

And I completely understand that reasoning and why people want to trade Monroe. It really boils down to whether to pay Monroe or not, not necessarily his defensive shortcomings or fit.

To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind trading Monroe AND Smith. As long as Smith was gone first and we let the twin towers go into evaluation mode to see if they can coexist with an actual sample size. If both go out, then I'd be more okay with that than keeping Smith here, chucking as he pleases while we lose Monroe for scraps. We would be marginally better as a result if we went with that route.

[Neptune]

Chris Brousssard is speculating and always has been.

Haha, yeah that's basically all he's doing. I don't expect us to move Monroe, Smith or Drummond any time soon. Hopefully we add a scoring 2 or a good 3 to our core.