Atlanta has made it known that Josh Smith is out on the trade market and certain teams are listening. The Rockets, Clippers, and Spurs seem to be wanting the 6’9 27 year-old power forward. So where should Atlanta drop Josh Smith off? If they’re truly interested in pulling that move off, my speculation is the Houston Rockets would be a big fit because Houston lacks in the position and have the surrounding pieces to give Atlanta.
Houston should let Josh Smith go into free agency because giving a guy like Marcus Morris, who is on an upswing right now, and has been killing it from three point land lately to the Atlanta Hawks would be a mistake. Then to include another player like Toney Douglas or Carlos Delfino would further jeopardize the depth Houston is building. Houston is the youngest team in the NBA and they have one of the highest scoring offenses in the league and that’s not only because the starters are stepping up, it’s because the bench has also been stepping up.
On the other end of the spectrum, Josh Smith is one of the best defenders in the NBA and Houston would love to have one. Houston ranks 29th in defense. Their offense is so spectacular and ran so well by James Harden that they don’t miss a beat, but on the defensive side they look lost and can’t defend anybody even despite the effort that I see from Omer Asik. Houston would pile up more victories if their defense was just a little better and that’s why adding Josh Smith would be a plus. Omer Asik is the best defender on the team and I can see clearly he’s trying, but everybody else including starting forward Patrick Patterson lack defense. Patrick Patterson is good on the offensive side of the ball and makes some great baskets when Houston needs them most, but all that doesn’t matter unless Houston steps up on the other side of the ball.
My final verdict:
I think they should get Josh Smith, but in free agency. This is Josh Smith’s last year under contract, so get him in the summer. Its not worth trading the talent Houston has to Atlanta or any other team. Houston needs to be patient and wait. Houston has enough money to sign another star player, so sign him over the summer that way zero depth would be eliminated.
By: Richie Boswell
Rh Factor Sports Blog 