Josh Smith (no speculation)

geistmoney · Post #1 » by **geistmoney** » Mon Jul 6, 2015 4:33 pm

This is pure speculation, but doesn't Josh Smith's game (not him as a person or attitude), seem like a good filler for the Pacers current roster? I feel like him playing some at SF/PF and event center (G. hill, ellis, miles, PG, and JS) would allow us a really flexible lineup. I'd be highly concerned about locker room fit and even what we'd pay him, but the fit seems like it could work.

I'd prefer Jordan Hill over Josh for the record, but just wanted to know if anyone else would toy around with this idea.

Josh is still getting paid Piston's money too, so maybe we could get him in the 7-10 range for a year or two, which would allow him to get one last big deal with new market money.

I've read the reports on the Kings, but I couldn't think of a worse place for him to go kill his career. Rondo, Smith, Gay, and Cousins in the same locker room... we're waiting for Crittendon/Arenas part 2.

Thoughts?

Post #2 » by **Scoot McGroot** » Mon Jul 6, 2015 4:50 pm

geistmoney wrote:Josh is still getting paid Piston's money too, so maybe we could get him in the 7-10 range for a year or two

I'll say this. I wouldn't consider Josh at all, no matter the length, if it took Lavoy Allen money to do so. Double that? Absolutely not.

Josh Smith is a tough fit. At this point, he's a pure PF in the NBA. No small ball center, and he's never been a SF (though he was played out of position there for a bit in Atlanta). He takes 3's, but per capita, he's one of the worst 3 pt shooters in the league. Teams will let him take every single 3 and be happy to do so, as that will win them the game.

IF you can get Josh for $2-3.5m a year, AND be the first coach in his career to get him to abandon the 3 and just have him fill the wing, get garbage buckets, and slash to the rim, he's fine. He's a weak side shot blocker, but not really a good man defender. If he's a stretch 4? You're screwed. If you get him to change his game for the first time in his career (clearly you can see I view this as unlikely) and play more like a Ian Mahinmi (solely around the rim, but more slashing), he's a fine addition.

I'd consider him for the room exception (2 yr/$5.75m total) after we use our cap space elsewhere.

MNPacersfan · Post #3 » by **MNPacersfan** » Mon Jul 6, 2015 5:21 pm

I think he's waiting until Houston is all done spending cap space so that he can play with his HS buddy Dwight Howard for the minimum price.

DunkinDutchman · Post #4 » by **DunkinDutchman** » Mon Jul 6, 2015 7:22 pm

From a team fit perspective, he is decent..... From a locker room perspective he is terrible.... I would rather take a guy that is a willing teammate and and less talented. Give me pretty much anyone else available.

JeffFosters · Post #5 » by **JeffFosters** » Tue Jul 7, 2015 1:48 am

Yeh its a pretty quick no. And considering Larry Bird's recent treatment of character/locker room question marks (Lance and Roy being let go for nothing) I think its safe to say his focus is (rightfully) elsewhere.

Solid · Post #6 » by **Solid** » Wed Jul 8, 2015 4:25 pm

I'd take him! Guy can be a beast. Just what we need. We have enough shooters. We need a strong body who can board and be aggressive. I think he may be growing up. Give him a small contract. If it works he's the steal of the season. If it doesn't you haven't lost much an d we can deal at the deadline..