NBA league sources ... Rox working on S&T for Smith

A PF who is a good perimeter defender can defend against stretch 4's--they're really strong and popular in the league right now precisely because tall, solid perimeter-defending bigs are even rarer than stretch 4's themselves are.

Also, Smith can slide down and play some minutes at SF. That's important, because right now we don't have a solid backup at that position. It also gives the coach the flexibility to go big if he wants, say with a Harden-Parsons-Smith-Smith-Howard lineup.

 

I was never a fan of smith as a star.

But with Howard and Harden as the focal point, he is a spectacular addition as the # 3 man. The hawks have consistently been good for a reason.

Those who say he's a poor mans Asik have clearly never watched him play. He is elite defensively, very versatile on offense and actually can play in the post. He can guard people Asik can't. He won't be the # 1 option here, so his shot selection should improve. He can also swing from 3 to the 5 depending on the game situation. Him and Parsons make us wicked versatile.

The length we have in the frontcourt is gonna be overwhelming. As for howard needing a stretch 4, have we forgotten Otis Thorpe or any of the big men Duncan played with.

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>New Orleans has shown strong interest in acquiring Rockets center Omer Asik, w/ an offer likely centered on Ryan Anderson, sources tell Y!</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/353308752432201728">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>New Orleans has shown strong interest in acquiring Rockets center Omer Asik, w/ an offer likely centered on Ryan Anderson, sources tell Y!</p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/353308752432201728">July 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

Woj says New Orleas likes Asik. Ryan Anderson for Asik rumor.

My head just exploded.

 

Bleh, this just ruins the excitement of getting Howard.

 

Omg, this is probably a better deal in my opinion

 

Ryan Anderson? Interesting. Very interesting...

 

Hugely interesting. Howard former teamate of Anderson. He's the stretch four we've talked about.

 

Don't know if someone else posted before but Asik has notified the Rockets he does not want to come off the bench and basically wants a trade if Howard is indeed coming to Houston.

 

To jump on the point, there are really only 2 elite front-court defenders like you describe. Lebron and Josh Smith.

Not only can we go big or small, we don't have to adjust when teams go big or small versus us!

Josh Smith can guard both the 3 and 4 at elite levels.

He fouls very little. Excellent help defender, knows when and where to switch, Top notch Defensive BBALL IQ.

I'm drooling, seriously.

 

i'm digging that lineup

 

nah get us Josh Smith, Howard was his best man at his wedding, the chemistry will be instant.
Harden
Howard
Smith
Parsons
Beverly

WOW

 

I think its time to load up 2k13, and mess with our new team!!

 

We need a stretch 4. I don't think some realize how much that would help Harden and Lin who need to drive. Also a good FT shooter. Having 2 500 FT shooters in Howard and Smith is somewhat concerning.

 

Beggars can't be choosers, I'd take Josh Smith in a heartbeat. I wouldn't call a power forward who puts up 18 and 8 a bad player or a player that is not good. I don't care if they are the worst shooting frontcourt I'll take my chances. Smith, Harden and Howard would be an awesome trio. Please let it go down!

 

Now, that'll be amazing. Dwight plus 4 outside threats? Now we just need a very good sixth man.

 

That's my feeling, he is the third wheel and I'm sure he wouldn't mind that at all because he'll still get his numbers and he would be on a title contender.

 

We get to keep the mini-mid level exception (3 years, $9 million) if we don't sign Howard to a max deal. Howard would get the same contract, we keep the MME, and the Lakers get a huge trade exception. Either that or they get nothing.