i agree with those who say that Greg Smith has a good chance to open the season as our starting 4. However, i don't think he's a great fit next to Howard, because he's strictly a low-post player who can't stretch the floor from mid-range. Furthermore, i haven't seen any real evidence that he's made progress towards developing that part of his game. I think he's eventually the odd man out, but in the mean time, we have serious questions at the 4, and he does provide some stability having played a good amount last year. Like the kid personally ...but don't see a long-term fit next to Howard given the upside of Jones and Dmo.
I think Jones makes a good bid for being the PF. Same with DMo. I think this will be the most open battle is training camp with those three fighting for the starting spot and rotation minutes. Parsons, Covington, and Casspi also appear to be options for rotation minutes. Asik may get some PF, but I expect it to be very rare. I think Smith is on the trading block.
Smith is great insurance if Morey plans on entertaining Asik trade plans. Definitely not a player I would let walk for nothing by any stretch. However, if Camby signs with Houston, I wouldn't be shocked if Smith is shopped a bit between now and traing camp for a late 1st rounder. If Morey cant find a decent draft pick for him, then he stays as insurance. ................. As for the PF situation, I would sincerely hope that either Jones or D-Mo have progressed enough this offseason to beat out Smith for the starting PF spot. Both Jones & D-Mo give McHale far more dynamic flexibility on the offensive end that Smith will never be able to give. However, Smith is more seasoned in the system and didn't make the same mistakes that both Jones/D-Mo did last year. If Smith beats out these two guys (which is a real possibility) it doesn't bode well for their future in Houston.
This. I really think that Smith has every bit as much potential as Jones and DMo (and I like all three). His problem is defensive awareness and positioning. Hopefully Hakeem (and Dwight and Asik) can help him in these areas. I called for Smith to start at the 4 early last year, and I am still calling for it. Between Jones and DMo, however, Jones gets the nod because of his defense. Any of the 3, though, depending on how hard they work, can step up and win the role.
how do you figure a late first rounder for a bench player with possible potential? more like a second rounder. probably better that way. less salary cap constraining
Oh come on, no team is desperate enough to start Greg Smith at center. You're just talking without actually looking.... List of projected starting centers for 2013/14: Spoiler Boston - Olynyk (lottery pick) /F. Melo (2012 1st rounder) Brookyn - Lopez New York - Chandler Philly - Hawes/ Noel (top 10 lottery pick) Toronto - Valanciunas Golden State - Bogut LA Clippers - Jordan LA Laker's - Kaman/ Gasol Phoenix - Gortat/ Len (top 10 lottery pick) Sacramento - Cousins Chicago - Noah Cleveland - Bynum/ Zeller/ Varejao Detroit - Monroe/ Drummond Indiana - Hibbert Milwaukee - Sanders Dallas - Dalembert Houston - Howard/ Asik Grizzlies - M. Gasol Pelicans - Davis Spurs - Duncan/ Splitter Atlanta - Horford Charlotte - Jefferson Miami - Bosh/ Andersen Orlando - Vucevic Washington - Nene/Okafor Denver - McGee Minnesota - Pekovic Oklahoma - Perkins/Ibaka Portland - Leonard (2012 lottery pick) Utah - Kanter/ Favors I'll give you that some teams could use him as a back up, but no team (barring injuries) is desperate enough to start Greg Smith at center. Truth be told, the center position isn't what it was in the 90's, but it is stronger that what it was mid 00's.
I'm not so sure about Motiejunas or even Jones being above Smith on the depth chart. Smith had a better season then both of them last season, of course both were rookies but Smith is just in his 2nd year and only played 8 games his rookie season in garbage time. So basically based off of last season Smith or Jones starts, Smith is better but Jones is a better fit and then Motiejunas is the 3rd PF. Really it depends who improved or is going to improve we really can't predict that.
