I like Anderson, but as noted above, Defense wins game, and a frontcourt of Howard/Smith would be the best in the league
I think people really don't understand how horrible a defender Ryan Anderson is. He's basically on Steve Novak level of crappiness. Of course a very fine player on offense. But basically means Howard will have to both try to play help defense and rebound. Horrible fit on D. I'll take Josh Smith and hope he stops shooting 20 footers.
Smith is the better player and if Howard or Harden gets hurt he can carry the load for that night...that's BIG that's how the Heat big three works. Also Dwight is GOOD friends with Smith, and Smith has been wanting to come here for a while it's been whispered. I don't think Smith is going to come here being hard headed about his role. I think he'll be fine with less shots and I think his brand will expand being on a contending team...same with Parsons too.
Also, I just think he complements Howard better than Smith. But I do agree, our defense wouldn't be as good if Anderson was at the 4
Anderson= .426 FG% and .384 3p% The question is basically do you want a stretch 4 or an athletic defensive stopper. Better halfcourt offense or better defense+slight boost to transition offense. If you get Anderson you could probably also get another bench player as well since he's cheaper than JSmoove.
I'd lean toward Smith. Seems like he can play defense and compete in the playoffs. His athleticism is superior, as well. Anderson doesn't have those same qualities. I'll trust Morey to decide, though!
I'd rather have Anderson at 8.3 million than Smith at 13 million or whatever it is we'd have to pay him. Howard and Anderson is a proven, successful pairing. I think Anderson contributes as much on offense as Smith does on defense, and his defense is at least on par with Smith's offense.
His defense is slightly below average to average. It used to be Novak territory but it has improved since then.
Offense is not a problem on a team that will pick and roll, and run as much as the Rockets will run. Defense is a big problem with Lin and Harden. Smith and Howard will allow Harden and Lin to over play the passing lanes even more, because you have 2 shot blockers behind them. Plus having 2 dominant defensive rebounders would lead to a lot of run-outs. I like Anderson, but you don't trade a Top 10 C for a bench player.
