[Woj] Asik & Parsons non-starter in Smith trade talk

this is really good for the Rockets' ability to get Smith in the offseason ...if they so choose. Smith is gonna test free agency no matter what.

 

I'd like to point out I called this as a likely possibility earlier. ATL wants to make the playoffs, 'renting' (practically speaking) Smith is as useful for them as anybody else, and there's no guarantee he decides to walk in the offseason.

Nobody wanted to pay very much for him because they knew the Hawks have no leverage. So they hang onto him, make the playoffs, then wave bye in the offseason.

 

I actually only wanted him in a trade scenario. Don't think he fits the team THAT well to waste FA money on him.

 

Smith was the youngest player to 1,000 blocked shots. That's top tier any way you cut it.

 

Here's the video interview where Smith clears up the "max contract" rumors.

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2013/02/21/deadline-passes-without-smoove-move/ (Not sure how to embed)

Basically said that the reporter asked if what he felt he was worth and he said max money, you know, but that he certainly wasn't making any demands, you know, he was just saying what he thinks about himself, you know. He also said, you know, that he would be willing to, you know, take less money to play on a championship contending team.

 

The benefit of trading for Smith would be that it would have given the Rockets a chance to test him in our system before signing him long-term. We would of had half of a season to try him out and if it didn't work out, we go hard after Howard.

 

How about just watching how he plays for the new team?

 

Which is who?

 

not if it meant to give up critical pieces of our core - Asik and Parsons

if the Hawks were fine with Dmo or Tjones and a Future first and delfino

then yeah that would be fine but they wanted both asik and parsons -- no way

 

Totally agree. It would have been nice to know that he would fit in our system and to see how he could potentially affect Howard's FA decision.

 

How was Smith not dealt to anyone when they already know he's leaving Atlanta in the offseason? Did no one offer them atleast a draft pick?
Or do they really think he'll bring them DH12?

 

Why does everyone want Diva Howard? His stats are great but doesn't make a team better. He doesn't even want to move or set screen for Nash, doubt he will for Harden or Lin. Demarcus Cousins. Get it done Morey.

 

Asik & Parsons non-starter in Smith trade talk

Good!

.....and it should remain that way.

 

It's like everyone forgot Howard took a scrub magic team to the finals.

 

Says he doesn't want Howard because he puts up empty #'s and doesn't help his team win.


Then says he wants DEMARCUS COUSINS.

LOL

 

Morey should be very thankful that Les is more concerned with the long-term future of this team rather than having a win now (more realistically a compete well but now win now) attitude. Morey is allowed to build a solid foundation for future earnings without regard to the current stock price. This is how all great businesses are managed and how an nba franchise should be managed.

 

The only way I would be interested in Smith is if he doesn't get max money. He is not worth it IMO and I will be happy with someone else.