Josh Smith's shocking release from the Detroit Pistons via the waiver wire on Monday punctuated a terrible two-year run for the forward, chock-full of mismanagement and terrible on-court decision making.
But behind the undisciplined and putrid shooting, and the poor fit when Smith is used at the three, he remains a defensively capable power forward who can score inside and has shown off an improved passing game this season.
For the right price, and utilized correctly in the right system - which Smith needs to take some responsibility for - the former All-Defensive team member can still make a positive impact.
Teams interested in Smith's contributions are beginning to surface, thanks to ESPN's Marc Stein.
ESPN sources say both Kings and Mavericks have interest in signing Josh Smith as a free agent if (when) he clears waivers Wednesday
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 22, 2014
Also hearing that the Los Angeles Clippers will make a run at Josh Smith, but Clips -- like Mavs -- have only minimum dollars to offer
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 22, 2014
Teams can claim Smith off waivers between now and Wednesday, but they would have to be willing to eat the remaining $27 million owed to him over the two years beyond this season, which is unlikely.
The realistic scenario will see him clear waivers Wednesday, at which point teams can pursue him as a free agent.
The Kings are an intriguing possibility, if only for their reported interest in trading for Smith earlier this season, something then-coach Mike Malone was said to be against.
Acquiring Smith might not be such a good idea for Sacramento, however. He and Rudy Gay sharing the same ball would be detrimental to the team's offensive spacing and could crowd DeMarcus Cousins, who needs room to operate down low.
The Mavericks have a ton of shooting, spacing and talent, but it's unclear where Smith fits unless he's willing to accept a role off the bench. The same can be said about the Clippers unless they plan on using him at small forward, which has led to disastrous results in Smith's past.
Perhaps the most interesting potential landing spot for Smith is Houston, where Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has long coveted a third star to partner with James Harden and Dwight Howard.
Houston's aggressively pursuing Smith, sources say. Rockets-Smith had strong mutual interest 'in 13, but couldn't get sign-and-trade done.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) December 22, 2014
Smith isn't the star he once was, and the Rockets have gotten good minutes at the four from Donatas Motiejunas and the injured Terrence Jones, but a Smith-Howard-Trevor Ariza frontcourt would be devastating defensively. The team just might have the 3-point shooting and spacing to make it work if Kevin McHale staggers lineups accordingly.
The Memphis Grizzlies, who seem an odd structural fit at first blush, are also said to be interested, as are the Miami Heat, who may have a disabled player exception coming their way that would let them offer more money than most.
