Remember when Steve Francis came here after being bought out by Portland. They paid him $25 mil to leave. He played great before getting hurt. It's a culture sometimes. That and he has to play for his next contract.
Of course it matters but you guys definitely don't know for sure how things will turn out. And to sounds so sure that you do makes it even more puzzling. If that's the main reason you can come up with I'll gladly take that risk for pennies any day.
The fact that you don't know how it will turn out is the problem. He was a locker room cancer in Atlanta, he was a locker room cancer in Detroit.....what makes you think he wouldn't be one here? He's bad enough on the court, add in what he does to hurt his team off the court and there's just no reason to risk him coming in and screwing up the team because the reward is so little.
For the money... Philly can pay the most currently, in fact they can clear waivers (they're not at least from what I read). Since it's not amnesty he can get even more over his current pay from Detroit. I don't think he actually said Philly though.
Probably, the best way to approach this is to express a genuine interest to his agent and wait to see which team his agent "wants" him to talk to first... if they can tell that, of course. I don't see it a big loss if it doesn't work out. I don't see it as a definite plus, if it does. I agree with a few others... you don't want to send D-Mo the wrong signal as he seems to be progressing by a definite "jump." And if he is a head case, at this point in his career, his previous relations with Howard, might put Howard in an awkward position. Chemistry is a definite issue in these matters. Subtleties matter.
exactly. And what else are they going to spend that 2 million on? If Okafor comes here it will just be vet min. Smith has never played with anyone like Harden or Howard before. He has no reason to try and score points now, in Houston his role will be different than it ever has. Morey has wanted him for years now and to get him for only 2 million dollars and not losing any players in return, is an absolute steal. Plus when/if TJones comes back healthy that's a big man rotation of Dwight, Smith, DMo, Jones.
Smith would certainly start. DMo's production has fallen off the last few games, not enough basketballs for him with Harden/Howard out there in the starting lineup. Let DMo come off the bench so he can be more effective, if he's not posting up then he's not doing much out there.
If Howard morey and other players are advocating this move, Id role with their decision being beneficial to the team instead of casual opinions of those that believe they have josh smith figured out and his relationship to people in he rockets organization
Where did you get the idea that Smith was a locker room cancer? Josh Smith has never been a locker room cancer.
Blind faith like that is fun, but I've never been a big fan of it. I'll give Morey the benefit of the doubt, because he's earned that, but this move has stupid written all over it.
Hello? All of you barking about his salary do realize they do not have to pay it, right? They get him for about 2 mil...and that Morey will jump all over...the Pistons pay his contract
I've got a question for those who think we shouldn't sign Smith because of the negative impact he could have on chemistry and the locker room. Worst case scenario: Let's say he does start causing strife and division amongst the team. Is the solution to this difficult in y'alls opinion (i.e cutting him) and/or are you thinking the team wouldn't be able to recover from his negative impact after cutting him? I can see this being an issue if you're perspective is that he could cause irreparable harm. Otherwise if he's a problem just cut him. You lose the BAE and a roster spot. Serious question, do y'all think exposing him to this team would have lasting negative effect on the team even after cutting him if that's what it came to?
Heh, are you serious? Do a quick google search of Josh Smith locker room cancer and you'll come up with hundreds of articles about his time in Atlanta and in Detroit.
Detroit cut him because they over paid for Josh Smith. they thought they were getting an allstar but got an above average defender in the front court. Josh is not an offensive talented player. he's average on offense.
It's definitely worth the risk, we're not going far in the Western Conference with our current team. I mean, don't get me wrong I love the Rockets, but after watching them since the 80's (both in person/TV) we don't have Hakeem and need more help. I mean we've been out of the first round once since Hakeem played, and unfortunately you can't wait in the West or you'll be behind. Harden and Howard can't play 2v5. Man... if only we played in the East, haha.
Where did this idea that Smith causes locker room issues come from? is it because he takes boneheaded shots so people decided to include him in the group with other such stalwarts as JR Smith?
I do think it could have lasting harm, he's best friends with Dwight Howard, if he comes in and gets on the wrong side of coaches and starts his locker room cancer routine yet again it could completely destroy the chemistry and could pit Howard against the coaches if he comes to the defense or is swayed by his friend. Sure if that happens, you cut Smith, but the damage is already done. I just don't think it's worth risking it because he's not even a good basketball player so the reward is almost nothing and the risk is everything.
